Charlene (Zelez) Tribke

Charlene Tribke passed away peacefully March 27, 2022 at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington. She was born April 15, 1950 in Germany.

Char was born in Germany and adopted there. She came to the United States with her adoptive parents when she was 2. Her father was in the Air Force, so she lived on many Air Force bases all over the country. She spent her teen years in the Chicagoland area where she met and married her high school sweetheart Bill in 1969. They bought a house in Oakwood Hills where they raised their 3 children. The house has a huge yard where Char grew her own vegetables and fruits. She was passionate about gardening and planting flowers in her beautiful yard. She led a simple life as a homemaker devoted to her children. Children were her life as she ran a home daycare where the children affectionately called her “Mama Char”. When her children married and had their own kids, she was so proud. Being a grandma just came natural to her. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life.

Char enjoyed crocheting blankets and scarves. She was an avid sewer making clothes for her children and their dolls. She loved to bake, making special Birthday cakes and cupcakes for her children and grandchildren. She loved all things that were colorful and had bling. Everyone that met Char, had nothing but good things to say about her. Her love for people was endless and unconditional.  She was the most patient, non-judgmental, and caring person ever. She will be greatly missed by many, but her memories will live with us forever.

Charlene is survived by her husband of 52 years, Bill Tribke; children, Wendi Branecki, Cindi (Daniel) Hayes, and Will (Bonnie) Tribke; grandchildren, R.J. Kus, Alexandria, Abigail, and Allison Branecki, Arianna Hayes, and Micaela and Mason Tribke; and brothers, Walter (Sally) Zelez and Mike (Sue) Zelez. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lois Zelez; and brother, Chuck Zelez. Services for Charlene will be held privately. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to JourneyCare Foundation, 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010.