Charlene Orrice (Gilchrist) Johnson, 86 of Laramie, Wyoming Passed away peacefully August 28, 2025, while surrounded by family at Hospice of Laramie. Char, a Loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend was born a twin (Charles O.) to Charles E and Kathryn W Gilchrist on January 11, 1939, in Huntington Park California. The Gilchrist family moved to Marshalltown, Iowa where Char attended St Mary’s High School in Marshalltown. Char was crowned prom queen at her junior prom in 1956 and graduated in 1957.
Char married Jim Johnson November 5, 1960, at St Mary’s church in Marshalltown. They moved their family to Laramie in November 1964 where she became a longtime resident of the community. A dedicated homemaker until starting her banking career in 1979. Char was employed at American National Bank now known as ANB bank where she was employee of the year twice during her employment and received several accolades for her dedication and service until her retirement in 2006.
Char was heavily involved with Bowling for the Cure for 10 years, planning and serving Christmas dinners for 25 years and Mother’s Day breakfasts for 15 years at BPO Elks Lodge No. 582, a member of Moose Lodge No. 490 and an honorary member of the VFW Post No. 2221 where she helped serve several Sunday breakfasts.
Char was an avid baker and known to share her banana bread and cookies with the medical staff at the Meredith & Jeannie Ray Cancer Center, Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie.
Charlene is survived by her daughters, Sherry Knight, of Na’alehu, Hawaii, Julie Norris (Bryan) of Fort Collins, Colorado and Kathy Johnson of Laramie; sister-in-law, Sharon Gilchrist of Rancho Cordova, California; grandchildren, Sommer Meyer (Gavin) of Aurora, Colorado, Spencer Knight of Na’alehu, Hawaii, Brooke Norris (Andrea)of Greeley, Colorado, Dalton Swett (Shelbie) of Laramie, Blair Lancaster (Ian)of Westminster, Colorado, Braedy Pribelsky (Katie) of Greeley, Colorado, Shelby Pribelsky (Ty Kissler) of Greeley, Colorado, Robert Sturlin of Laramie; 5 great grandchildren (and 1 on the way); 4 nephews and 8 nieces; along with a wide circle of extended family and friends.
She is proceeded in death by her parents; husband Jim Johnson; daughter Pamela K Johnson; twin brother Charles Gilchrist, sister Katherine Gilchrist and brother Jim Gilchrist.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 11th at Montgomery -Stryker Funeral Home with reception to follow at the VFW. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Dr., Laramie, WY and the VFW Post No. 2221 Laramie, WY
I am so sorry for your family's loss. Char was a wonderful person. My Deepest sympathy Star Byrnes
Thank you Star!
Thank you Star!
Thank you Star!
Girls, Mike & I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful lady and we will miss her. Take time and remember All of the wonderful memories. We love you all. Mike & Ruth Fortman 💖
Thank you for your support and kind words!
Yes, a wonderful lady! Thank you Mike and Ruth.
I was really sorry to hear about your mom. She brought such fun, warm energy to everything. When I was younger, I remember spending time at your house and feeling so welcome. And later on, getting to work with her was just as special. I’ll never forget how she gave us the swingset that had been outgrown at your house—it was such a thoughtful gesture, and it really stuck with me. She and your dad were always so much fun at the bank’s parties—full of laughter and great company. She made a lasting impression, and I hope you’re feeling surrounded by the same kind of care she always gave so freely. With warm remembrance, Kathleen Eberhart (Brown)
Kathleen, Thank you for the kind words and sharing those moments! It means a lot to us.
What a class act!!! Char was such a kind person. She threw me my baby shower for my 1st born. I always felt like part of the family when i was around them. Im so sorry for your loss. Thankful for knowing such a sweetheart. Sending positive thoughts to the family. Leslie Miller
Thank you for sharing the memories and the positive thoughts, we appreciate it!
Char will be missed. She was always so nice to me. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy and family, am so sorry for your loss, your mom was such a fun, super nice lady.
Thank you!
Eva, we appreciate your thoughts and prayers!
So sorry for your loss. Char was a sweet person. I'm sure she will be missed by many!
Thank yo!
Char was a wonderful person to work with, always so kind. She will be missed. My condolences for your loss.
Thank you Patti!
You will be .missed. Thanks for beingʻ nice to me.My sympathy to Kathy and family.
Thank you!
Sherry, Julie and Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss but grateful for the memories. Godspeed Love Shelly Miller Aragon
Thank you Shelly! so many wonderful memories with your family!!