Charlene (Char)

Charlene "Char" Loper, a vibrant spirit with an indomitable zest for life, peacefully passed away at home on July 6, 2026, after a brief stay in the hospital. Born on March 11, 1954, in Minot, North Dakota, Char's life was a tapestry of love, adventure, and resilience. Char was the beloved daughter of Charles W and Darlene Ann (Freeman) Herman. She was predeceased by her previous husbands, Doug Marlow and Jack Dougherty, her cherished children Mike and Sally Ann, her brother William Bruce (Bill), and her parents. Her life was also touched by the passing of numerous aunts, uncles, in-laws, and many friends whose memories she held dear. Char leaves behind a legacy of love shared with her devoted husband, Gary Loper, with whom she celebrated a marriage of enduring companionship and adventure for over 29 years. Together, they journeyed through life, settling in Belle Fourche before making their home in Spearfish, South Dakota. She is also survived by her sister Renae (John) Ostle, brother Ed (Shantel) Herman, two nephews, eight nieces, and her adopted daughter Harley. Her extended family includes brothers-in-law Kenny (Nina) and David (Julie) Loper, as well as her cherished great-nieces and nephews. Jerrod and Rena and the three “Z” boys. Char's early years saw her moving from Minot to Laurel, and finally graduating from Bozeman Senior High School in 1972. Her career was as varied and colorful as her life, with roles ranging from a pilot car driver, semi-truck driver, bartender, and head janitor, to setting up mobile homes and chauffeuring in a limousine. Char's work ethic was matched by her love for motorcycling, her passion for the friends she made while helping the Spokane chapter grow. Winters in Florida were a favorite escape for Char, where she delighted in a good meal accompanied by a drink after supper. Her penchant for antiques and bargains was legendary, often leading her to garage sales and junk stores with unbridled enthusiasm. She was an avid reader and crossword puzzle enthusiast, and she relished the company of friends and family, often reminding them that she was the oldest and, as such, in charge—a role she embraced with humor and affection. Two things she always had to have was strong black coffee and to burn a cigarette. A lover of nature and the outdoors, Char found joy in camping and gardening, with Gary often by her side digging holes for her beloved flowers. Her home was a sanctuary of plants, lights, and warmth, where she welcomed friends with open arms, especially during the Sturgis bike rallies. Known for her culinary skills, Char created delicious salads and desserts, complementing Gary's smoked meats, turning their home into the welcoming "Loper’s Bed and Breakfast." Char's life was guided by her deep faith and her proud heritage of German and Norwegian roots. Her culinary tastes reflected this, with a love for lefse and a marked disdain for carrots and cabbage. A woman of strong convictions, she lived and passed on her own terms, embodying strength until the very end. Char's family invites you to honor her memory by cherishing the moments she shared with each of us. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in her name. As we say goodbye to Char, we celebrate a life well-lived, a heart full of love, and a soul that touched us all. Her spirit will forever be remembered in the stories we share and the love we carry forward. Char will be cremated and burial of ashes will be in Bozeman by her beloved children. Two memorials will be held, one in Spearfish on July 25, the second one will be on August 8th with a gathering at Lindley Park. Please come and share your love and stories of a very special person!