Charlene “Char” Orlikowski (née Demler) passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026, in East Troy, Wisconsin.

Char was born in Milwaukee and lived a life centered around the things that mattered most to her: faith, family, friendship and helping others.

She is survived by her daughters, Sibyl Orlikowski and Tracy Wagner, brother John Demler, and sister Penny Ogreenc. Also left to cherish her memory are nieces, nephews, and a much-loved extended family. Char embraced her step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren wholeheartedly. They were incredibly special to her, and she treasured the time she spent with every generation of her family.

Char generously gave her time to her community and her Catholic faith, volunteering at St. Clare Catholic Church, St. Thomas Catholic Church and Love Inc. She loved playing cards, camping, spending time at the lake and, most of all, simply being wherever her family and friends were. Her favorite place was never really a particular destination — it was wherever the people she loved happened to be.

She was incredibly generous and a wonderful chef. Her family will especially remember her Christmas baking, when the kitchen became a bakery and there was always something wonderful being made and shared.

Char also had a personality that was entirely her own. People loved her expressions, her humor and her unmistakable honesty. You usually knew exactly what Char was thinking, and that was part of what made her so memorable and so loved.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Victor Orlikowski, and her mother, Ruth Osowski.

Char will be remembered for her generosity, her faith, the meals she shared, the laughter she created and the tremendous love she had for her family. Her presence will be deeply missed by everyone fortunate enough to have been part of her life.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Char’s life on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at St. Clare Catholic Church in Wind Lake (7616 Fritz St). Father Steve will be officiating.

Visitation: 9:00–10:50 AM

Funeral Mass: 11:00 AM

An off-site Celebration of Life Reception will follow from approximately 1:00–4:00 PM with food and cocktails as family and friends gather to share memories and celebrate Char’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given in memory of Char to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/