Charlotte Leinen

Charlotte's Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed here.

Charlotte Ann Leinen was born on November 5, 1940, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Clarence and Helen (Honeywell) Kremer. At just 11 days old, she was welcomed into the loving home of John and Julia Bentlage, who raised her as their own. She was baptized and later confirmed into the Catholic faith. Charlotte attended Persia Elementary and went on to graduate from Tri-Center High School with the Class of 1959.

Following graduation, Charlotte began working at Dial Finance. One evening, while attending a dance at the Avoca Hall, she met the man who would become her husband, Harvey Leinen. The couple married on May 7, 1960, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Neola, Iowa, and were blessed with three children: Julie, Tracy, and Scott.

The couple first made their home on a farm south of Portsmouth before moving to Denison, where Harvey partnered with his brother, Jim. During their years in Denison, the family were members of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Those early years of marriage were devoted to hard work and building their life together. When the farming partnership ended, they relocated to the Manning–Manilla area to continue farming.

In 1978, the Leinen family settled in the Harlan area, farming in the Jacksonville community and becoming members of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Charlotte devoted herself to raising her children and caring for their home, preparing meals, and managing family life. She later worked for CDS Global for over 20 years. In addition, she assisted with the business operations of Leinen Construction and, eventually, their storage unit business.

Charlotte’s life was grounded in her strong Catholic faith. She found joy in many hobbies, especially creating sculptures from glassware. Above all, she cherished attending the activities and sporting events of her children and grandchildren, always their greatest supporter.

Charlotte passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa at the age of 85 years, four months and 11 days. She was preceded in death by her parents mentioned above; husband, Harvey Leinen in 2014; great-grandson, Tate Assmann; and brothers: Terry Kremer and Benard “Bernie” Kremer.

Charlotte is survived by her three children: Julie Leinen of Bellevue, Nebraska, Tracy Leinen of Cascade, Idaho; and Scott (Dena) Leinen of Harlan; grandchildren: Kelsey (Taylor) Assmann of Panama, Derek (Logan) Leinen of Harlan, Haley (Dillon) Sears of Harlan and Macie Leinen (Brody Frederick) of Earling; great-grandchildren: Mackenzie Assmann, Mason Assmann, Weston Assmann, Laney Leinen and Callen Sears; and many other family members and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, at St. Micheal’s Catholic Church in Harlan with visitation held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Inurnment to follow in the Harlan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Research Hospital or Mass in her memory.