Charlene McIntosh

Charlene "Char" McIntosh, age 81, of Janesville, Wisconsin, passed away on July 25, 2026. Born on October 24, 1944, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Char lived a life defined by service, laughter, and an unwavering desire to make the world a little brighter for everyone she met.

Char was a dedicated employee at General Motors for 31 years before finding her true calling in retirement at St. Elizabeth Home, where she worked with the elderly population. Caring for others came naturally to her after she had lovingly looked after many aunts and uncles in their later years. She was, in every sense, a "Live to Giver," always willing to serve anyone in need and always striving to make each person's life better. Char had a contagious laugh. Many times, her close friends and family found themselves laughing along with her even though none of them knew what they were laughing at.

Of all the love and laughter Char shared with others she loved nothing more than being a grandmother and great-grandmother to Kory Pryor, Tyler Feger, Tawnee Pryor, Oakley Good, Maguire Pryor, Jagger Pryor, Noah Larson, Max Pryor, Amelia Pryor, and Blake Pryor. She took great pride in hosting birthday celebrations, weekend shopping sprees that always ended at her favorite restaurants and preparing holiday meals made with love. Char had a knack for making the special times even more special. When her grandchildren were growing up, she always made sure the “real” Santa made a stop by her house on Peachtree for Christmas Eve. Annual family vacations to the Wisconsin Dells were a cherished tradition she held close to her heart. She also enjoyed traveling to Branson, Missouri with friends, visiting her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson in New Jersey, and cruising to the Bahamas. In her quieter moments, she loved crocheting and playing canasta weekly with friends.

Char was a grateful member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 38 years, helping many women find their way toward recovery. Her generosity of spirit and kind heart left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her. People will remember her infectious laughter, her love of being around others, and her genuine desire to see everyone happy and enjoying life.

A faithful member of the Roxbury Church of Christ, Char's deep love for the Lord guided everything she did. A trip to see Noah's Ark in Kentucky with her dear friend Lois was something she spoke about for years, a testament to the strong faith that carried her through life. She trusted that even in her most difficult moments, she was never walking alone.

She is survived by her children, Greg Pryor (Shannon Pryor), Pam Good (Keith Good), and Tim Pryor; her brothers, Jack (Karen) Betenz and Bob Betenz; and her many beloved Aunts and Uncles.

Char was preceded in death by John Pryor the father of her children, her father John Betenz, her mother Betty Betenz, and many beloved Aunts and Uncles.

A celebration of life will be held on October 3rd from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Janesville, Wisconsin Elks Lodge.

"One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord, across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord. When the last scene of my life shot before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I noticed that at the very lowest and saddest times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. So I said to the Lord, 'You promised me, Lord, that if I followed You, You would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed You most, have You not been there for me?' The Lord replied, 'The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand is when I carried you.'"

Henke-Clarson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.henkeclarson.com.