Charlotte K. Belonger

Charlotte K. Belonger, age 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at her home at Country Villa in Freedom. She was born in Antigo on November 15, 1948 to the late Ralph and Elda (Wellner) Ayers. 

Charlotte found joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life; whether it was a daily chat “catching up”, a lively game of bingo, a competitive round of cards with friends, or a good meal at one of her favorite restaurants.  Her greatest happiness, however, came from her grandchildren.  She loved hearing about their latest activities and chatting with them, cherishing every moment spent with them.  Charlotte helped Heidi and Mike with picking kid(s) up from school, time together in the summer, enjoying McDonald’s or errands together, and hanging out together at her home, spending time together. All of the grandkids have sweet memories with Grandma Charlotte.  

Charlotte worked as a dedicated nursing assistant throughout the Fox Cities and Antigo areas, where she took her patients’ care very seriously. She talked most about her years working at The Outagamie County Health Center. She enjoyed motorcycle rides and traveling with her husband, Howie Belonger. They traveled around the state and did things like watch the geese at the park, as well as take trips out of state, including a trip to Georgia to visit Heidi, where among the highlights, was finally getting to experience a Waffle House.  They both also really enjoyed moving, looking at houses, and making their new house a home.  Most moves were within Appleton for the two of them, with Charlotte living in Little Chute, Appleton, and then at Country Villa in Freedom, after Howie passed away in 2010.  Charlotte and Howie had many pets over the years, beloved dogs Taffy, Buffy, Sandy, Dori; to name a few, and Scooter the cat.  They also loved their grand dogs, and the dogs knew it!

Charlotte shared many stories about having six siblings, six girls in the family and one boy, and three bedrooms for them all.  They each had a special bond. So many stories that could be laughed about EVERY time they were remembered. She grew up eating so much venison, she never wanted to join us for nights that Mike made venison. She spent summers with her cousins from Lancaster when growing up, and those memories still brought her smiles. She enjoyed many family get-togethers in Antigo for extended family celebrations, or a day trip to see her parents years ago, and later, her sisters for lunch.  Similarly, she enjoyed get-togethers with Howie’s kids and families, and the Parker family; she loved to be included after Howie passed away. She also enjoyed get-togethers with Heidi, Joel, and their families. 

Charlotte is survived by her children: Heidi (Mike) Wudi and Joel (Jaime Page) Stadler; grandchildren: Emma, Sam and Jacob Wudi, Emily, William and Cole Stadler; her brother, Lee (Glenda) Ayers; sisters: Sharon (Gary) Rine, Rita (fiance Charlie Zelazoski) Griffiths, Lynn (Jerry) Jiter; and many nieces and nephews. Also survived by Howie’s children: Joe (Amy) Belonger, Ruth Belonger, and Kelly (Larry) Van Handel; grandchildren: Jeff, Kyle (Kelsey), Jason, Brad and Derek Belonger, Jacob, Josh, and Chloe Van Handel, and great grandchildren: Beau and Olive.   

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Belonger; grandson, Chase Stadler; sisters and brothers-in law: Connie and Dick Fleischman, and Bev and Chuck Guile; and her first husband Marvin Stadler.

Angels here on earth that will forever be remembered in helping with Mom’s journey the last 3 ½ years include Kristen at Senior Care Patrol, for working tirelessly to help find Mom’s new forever home at Country Villa, and explain all the differences in assisted living care options; thank you.  To the Outagamie County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), you are ROCK STARS, and so helpful when we were stuck navigating all the things that come with aging, and helping our loved ones as a caregiver.  Thank you. Tammy at Bremax Insurance (Antigo) for helping navigate supplemental health insurance, and feverishly getting the paperwork in that first time; thank you. 

Her friends at Country Villa: Barb, Carol, Geneive, and Florence. Mom so enjoyed having meals with you, playing cards together, visiting, and activities. Connie, Sara, Dawn, Bridgit, Jordan, Miasia, Hailey, all staff at Country Villa: Jenn with so many great activities, cooks, cleaners, beauty salon, every caregiver and med tech: know you make a difference with the compassion and care you share every day. Mom enjoyed hearing about you, your life, special events like pregnancies, and seeing engagement rings, thank you so much. Nurse Connie - thank you for your help and insight for the home stretch these last few months, and helping make sure Mom was comfortable as her health was declining. Ashley and Emma from St. Croix Hospice, thank you for your care and support this last month.  Your guidance, care, and empathy will long be remembered. 

What We’ll Miss Most: Daily chats, hearing the octave in your voice raise as you share news you're excited about, and knowing you’ll always listen to our ups and downs with all the things.  Your face lit up any time you interacted with any of your grandkids, and seeing the love they feel with your attention.  Includes hearing Jacob just chatting away to you on the phone, or when he’d go over to visit you since he got his license, and wanted to go alone so the two of you could have your McDonald’s and visit just like you used to at your apartment.  He’ll always be your Little Buddy.  Love you Mom, Heidi

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E Glendale Avenue, Appleton. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday, May 11 from 9:00 am until the time of service. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.