On January 23, 2022, Charlotte Ann Cyze’s earthly body left this world; but to those who knew and loved her, the light she radiated cannot be dimmed.

Private family services will be held to celebrate her life through Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home.

Charlotte was born to Rupert and Jean Imhof on March 24, 1947. At the age of 18, she attended a dance, and as fate would have it, met the love of her life, Mike Cyze. He courted her for many years, even hitching rides on a garbage truck across Chicago in a blizzard to see her. They enjoyed many trips and fun times before uniting in marriage on May 18, 1974.

Charlotte worked as an executive assistant at International Harvester Corporation for many years in downtown Chicago and after having children, shifted her focus to family first.

She was truly a role model in the lives of her son, Michael Jr., and daughter, Melissa. She volunteered tremendous amounts of her time at the school, acted as a chauffeur, and never missed a single sporting event, concert, or play. Clothes were washed, hot meals were served, and love was palpable.

Charlotte was magnetic. She would literally strike up a conversation with anyone and formed several lifelong friendships through her outgoing personality. She loved family time spent at the KOA campground, where she made friends with everyone she met.

In her free time, she was an avid bowler and Bellevue city league champion. She also loved crossword puzzles and stayed up-to-date on the latest celebrity gossip. She continued to serve others by volunteering at the local nursing home, calling bingo for the residents. She found great joy in sharing her warmth and compassion with the lonely, sick, and less fortunate.

Charlotte comes from a big Italian family and was shaped by growing up within blocks of her cousins and extended family. She grew up in a time of large family dinners, making pasta on Sundays, and truly experiencing the value of family as a community.

She found great joy in her grandchildren and was loving known as Grammy Char-Char and Gaga. She was and always will be their biggest fan.

She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband, Mike Cyze Sr.; children Mike (Amanda) Cyze of Peosta, Iowa and Melissa (Dave) Perkins of Verona, Wis.; grandchildren Lauren, Caitlyn, Ben, Stella and Myles, brother Kenneth (Pat) Imhof, nephews Christopher (Kathy) and Tony (Abbey) Imhof, niece Nina Imhof, and many cousins and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, many aunts, uncles and cousins who are surely greeting her with a wonderful Italian sweet table welcoming her to heaven.

The family would like to give its heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Sara, Hayle, Nikki and Chris who provided such compassionate care to Charlotte and her family during her time of need. Their work is truly remarkable and we have been blessed with their care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Dubuque in Charlotte’s name.