Charlene E. Eklund

Charlene E. Eklund, adoring wife of Robert Eklund, passed into the arms of angels on February 18, 2022 after her courageous battle with cancer. She was born Charlene E. Runstedler on February 6, 1960 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

Growing up in Canada, Charlene found her first full time job at Zehrs Markets in the bakery department in 1976 and spent 26 years there, making many friends along the way. This is where she met her husband, George Henderson. After George’s passing in 2000, Charlene and her two children moved to Oneonta, New York from Waterloo, Ontario in 2002 to begin their new life journey with her husband, Bob. The couple happily married on August 24th, 2002 and they were rarely seen apart for their 19 years of marriage, to include working side-by-side at Hartwick College. Charlene started work at Hartwick in September of 2003 and for over 18 years worked in the commons as a catering staff member, as a supervisor and most recently as the event calendar scheduler.

Charlene cared deeply for all of her family and friends. She was a devoted and proud grandmother of three. Each time they would visit she would always have their favorite candies and snacks, often putting together small gift bags of activities and treats for them to bring home. Charlene enjoyed keeping in touch with all her friends and family through social media and you could often find her scrolling through Facebook. She loved being outside in the summertime whether it was camping or fishing with her husband or just gardening in the front yard with the help of her dog, Bella. Charlene had a great love of food. She always enjoyed dining out and trying new dishes, but her all-time favorite food to eat was anything that her husband, Bob, would cook for her. Together they shared a great passion for good food.

Charlene was well known for her positive attitude and great sense of humor; she was often described as kind, patient, strong, and selfless. Charlene always put others needs in front of her own and would drop everything she was doing to help a friend in need.

Charlene is survived by her loving husband Robert Eklund, her children Jennifer Henderson (Brad) and Kevin (Kimberly) Henderson, her chosen child Aaron Accordino, step-children Rod and Don Henderson, siblings Paul Runstedler, Beverley Weiler, and David (Nina) Runstedler, her brothers in-law Shawn Bell, John Eklund (Melissa), Daniel Accordino (Cindy), Larry Accordino (Stephanie) and Richard Accordino, and her sister in-law Deb Eklund. She was the cherished grandmother of Skyler, Riley, and Owen and beloved aunt to her many nieces and nephews.Predeceased by her parents Jack (1996) and Mildred (2016) (nee Schell) Runstedler, her sister Debbie Bell (2007) (nee Runstedler), her brother Mark (1992), her husband George Henderson (2000), her brothers in-law Alan Henderson (2018) and Tom Eklund (2018), and her sisters in-law Joan Accordino (2012) and Jill Accordino (2021).

Charlene will forever be our radiant princess.

Condolences may be sent to the Eklund/Henderson families at 1910 Beryl Way, Watervliet, NY 12189 or online at www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, Charlene’s family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to Friends of Bassett c/o Bob Simon Fund 1 Atwell Road Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Calling hours will be Thursday March 3rd from 3p.m. – 5p.m. and 6p.m. – 8p.m. at Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta, NY. A Celebration of Life Service will be Friday March 4th at 11a.m.

Those who are unable to attend may join us on the Bookhout Funeral Home Facebook page livestream.