I went home to meet Jesus on July 12, 2024. My mother, Gladys, introduced me to the world on October 23, 1965. I was the youngest of her six children. I have three brothers; Richard Hubbard, Ronald Hubbard, and Norman Hubbard and two sisters, Helen Brand and Diane Hubbard. I grew up in the small town of Becker, MN. In high school, I had a successful career in track and cross country thanks to my coach, Bob Schneider, who taught me many lessons about running, hard work, integrity, relationships and challenging me to be my best self. After high school I received a track and cross country scholarship to SDSU, Brookings, to compete for the Jack Rabbits. As a Jack Rabbit, I was chosen to be a member of the All American College Track and Field Team in 1985 and in 1986 I was chosen as a member of the All American Intercollegiate Cross Country Team.

While attending SDSU I met Spanky, my future husband, Tim Doorn. It took me a couple of weeks and a date or two, to finally figure out his real name. Remember, these were pre-PC days so I had to use good old fashion detective work to figure out his true identity. It didn’t take us long to decide we would like to spend the rest of our lives together. On January 2, 1988, we married and the following day, moved to Rapid City where we started a family right away.

I experienced motherhood with the births of my three children Danielle Doorn, Sarah Reinert and Derek Doorn. My children blessed me with five grandchildren; Jackson and Natalie Reinert, Emmett Doorn, Sylar and Ripley Doorn. While raising my family, I was employed at Pennington County Health and Human Services. I was serving as the Assistant Director when I retired after thirty years.

During my life, I’ve loved spending time in my yard, crocheting, sewing, cooking, baking, hiking and playing Bunco with my friends. I have been active with my church family and started and lead a cancer support group, Armour of Hope, where I met other amazing cancer survivors. I have been known for pursuing people with bandanas or chemo caps to find out if they have stinking cancer. I love spending time with my husband, kids and grandkids. We have learned to love and accept and appreciate one another through all the good and bad times.

My journey with cancer began in early 2016. By the end of 2016, I completed treatment and was fortunate to walk in remission for three years. Being blessed with more time I became more intentional. Cancer taught me to really appreciate and understand what the Lord has been telling me for years. “This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it,” Psalm 118:24.

In February 2020, the cancer returned and had metastasized. I like to refer to it as...”this stinking cancer.” With the support of the medical team, family and friends and of course, the Good Lord, Joshua 1:9 struck me; “Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is with you wherever you go.” 

I was blessed with more time to celebrate and live each day without fear as I continued to grow in relationship with the Lord. I had the gift of time to be able to see my family grow, to travel with Tim and friends, spend time with other cancer survivors and the Lord provided a bucket list opportunity for a journey to Israel with my sister, Helen. God’s timing is perfect.

Psalm 31:15 says, “My times are in your hands.” At the right time God will provide for your need. At the right time God will deliver you. At the right time God will rescue you.

I want each of you to know I am celebrating with a new unbroken body, with other friends and family who have already gone home! I hope to see you there! Goodbye for now! Charlene Marie Doorn

There was a Celebration of Life held for Charlene Doorn on Friday, July 19th at Fountain Springs Church in Rapid City, SD. In memory of Charlene’s life and love, the family requests that charitable donations be made to “Black Hills Road Trip of Hope” at blackhillsroadtripofhope.org in lieu of flowers.