Obituary: Charlene Ann Kobe (née Strong)

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Charlene Ann Kobe (née Strong)

Charlene Ann Kobe (née Strong), age 86, of Joliet, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Charlene was born on July 18, 1940, in Lockport, Illinois, to Royal and Margaret (née Schmidtke) Strong. She grew up in Lockport, attended Kelvin Grove Grade School, and graduated from Lockport Township High School. On January 19, 1963, she married Robert Michael "Bob" Kobe. Together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories in Joliet.

Throughout her career, Charlene embraced a variety of employment opportunities. She began working as a telephone operator at Illinois Bell and later retired as an administrative assistant at Joliet West High School. No matter where she worked, she was known for her strong work ethic and dependability.

Charlene was deeply committed to serving her community. She generously volunteered for over 35 years at the Rialto Square Theatre, proudly serving as one of its beloved "Penguins," and also volunteered at Saint Joseph Medical Center. She was an avid bowler who enjoyed participating in numerous bowling leagues throughout the years, forming lifelong friendships along the way.

Charlene and Bob shared a passion for country line dancing. Together they spent many happy years dancing with the Kings Way Kickers, Heartland, and Country Club Dance Clubs, where they created lasting friendships and countless treasured memories.

Above all else, Charlene's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and cherished great-grandmother whose warmth, generosity, and unwavering love touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Whether attending her children's and grandchildren's activities, hosting family gatherings, or simply spending time together, she found her greatest happiness surrounded by those she loved.

Charlene is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Robert "Bob" Kobe; her loving children, Lisa (Don) Bersano, Karen (Timothy) Jennings, and Eric (Lisa) Kobe; her cherished grandchildren, Justin (Lauren) Bersano, Megan (Michael) Smego, Brittany Bersano, Jacob (Amy) Jennings, Anna Jennings, Grace Jennings, Kylie Kobe, Kendall Kobe, and Kelsey Kobe; her treasured great-grandchildren; her sisters, Shirley Hill and Beryl Swenson; her brother, Darrell Strong; and many dear brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Royal and Margaret Strong; her brothers, Kenneth, Melvin, Norbert and Lavern Strong; her father- and mother-in-law, Edward and Anna Kobe; and many cherished brothers- and sisters-in-law.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Lightways Hospice for the exceptional care, comfort, and support they provided to Charlene and her family during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Charlene's memory may be made to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Charlene's legacy of love, kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever cherished.

Funeral Services for Charlene Ann Kobe will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Joliet. Visitation will be held Monday, August 24, 2026, at the funeral home chapel from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.

·Visit Fred C. Dames on Facebook​

·Order Flowers​

·Healing Resources​