Charlene Appenzeller Steininger

Charlene (Hackworth) Appenzeller Steininger, 80, of Findlay, died peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Sunrise of Findlay Assisted Living following an extended illness.
On April 22, 1941, Charlene was born in Carey, one of 10 children of the late Ransom and Elva (Tackett) Hackworth. She graduated from Carey High School in the class of 1959. She was raised in Baptist faith, which she carried with her throughout her life.
After graduating, while working for the RCA Corporation in Findlay, Charlene fell for a co-worker, Mike Appenzeller. Together they shared 23 years of marriage and lovingly raised one son, Kevin. He preceded her in death in 1984.
Dedicated to the Vanlue community, Charlene enjoyed owning and operating two restaurants over the years and she is best remembered for Char’s Restaurant. She loved visiting with everyone who came in to enjoy her food and friendship.
An excellent cook, Charlene would always make something special for whatever the occasion was. She also had a green thumb and loved tending to her flower gardens every year.
For the past 33 years, Charlene has enjoyed the companionship of her second husband, Donald R. Steininger Sr.
Most important of all to Charlene was her family. She would travel far and wide to attend her grandson’s high school and college football games. She always looked forward to visits with her siblings, especially family gatherings at her brother, Coly’s, and any time spent with her sisters.
Inheriting the Hackworth sense of humor, Charlene was a spitfire and her great sense of humor kept everyone on their toes. She also loved a good practical joke.
She will be missed by her husband, Donald Steininger Sr. of Findlay; a son, Kevin (Sandra) Appenzeller of Fort Wayne, Ind.; two grandsons, Cody (Sarah) Appenzeller and Trevor Appenzeller; one great-grandson expected in April, Iverson Appenzeller; three step-children, Denise (Jeffrey) Grabow, Donald (Dawn) Steininger Jr. and René Eppler; nine step-grandchildren; four siblings, Wendell (Connie) Hackworth of Wausau, Wisc., Doug (Rosie) Hackworth of Vanlue, “Coly” (Rita) Hackworth of Carey, and Erma (Jesse) Cox of Vanlue; a brother-in-law, Jerry Hall of Toledo; and oodles of nieces and nephews.
Including her first husband and parents, Charlene was preceded in death by five siblings, C. Payne Hackworth, Alice Maynard, Lowell “Cotton” Hackworth, Marietta Hall and Eldon Hackworth.
Her family will greet friends from 12:30-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, Carey. Services honoring her life will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Cynthia Morrison officiating. (Tentative) Interment will follow at Zion Bloom Cemetery in Vanlue.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Home Health and Hospice and they may be sent to the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.StombaughBatton.com.