Charles Eklund Obituary

Eklund
Charles Alan
Eklund
August 26, 1947
December 22, 2024

Obituary
Charles (Chuck) Alan Eklund (77), of Colorado Springs, began a new life with Jesus on December 22, 2024. He was surrounded by his devoted family.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Caroline, and his children, Rebekah Eklund and Lukas (Jynelle) Eklund, and stepchildren, Kimberly (Michael) FitzPatrick and Shannon (Joseph) Hornsey. He is Morfar (Swedish for "mother's father") to Sarah (Jonathan) Carter, Jacob (Cassie) FitzPatrick, Benjamin FitzPatrick, Annaliese FitzPatrick, Paige Campbell, Madison Campbell and Hunter Campbell. He is Farfar (Swedish for "father's father") to Lucia Eklund. He is Great Grandfather to Jaylen and Jessah Carter, Finn and Jaxx FitzPatrick, and Cub Harper. Chuck is predeceased by his parents, Al and Myrtle Eklund.
Chuck was born on August 26, 1947, in McPherson, Kansas. He graduated from North Park University (Chicago, IL) with a B.S. in Physics and Math in 1969. In 1975, he received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Kansas.
Chuck began his career as a Research Scientist at Kaman Sciences Corporation (KSC) in Colorado Springs, CO and eventually became Vice President. After KSC was sold to ITT, Chuck managed a piece of the business with $10 million in revenues. He later took the position as Second-in-Command to the President at Exelis, headquartered in Reston, VA. He and his wife, Caroline, lived there for 10 years. He retired from this position in 2010 and became a Consultant for Exelis and other subsidiaries until 2024.
As a faithful Christian, Chuck took his call to love God and love others seriously. He participated in many mission trips and outreaches locally and abroad and always took care of those in need. Chuck was a friend to all and always generous, humble, and grace filled. He lived out God's call to love your wife as Christ loved the church in the way that he cared for Caroline. He showed her the essence of true love.
Chuck was an accomplished cyclist and completed numerous multi-day bike rides through his adult life. He rode the following rides with his son Lukas: Ride the Rockies (300+ miles across the Rocky Mountains in 2010, 2012, 2015), Vatternrundan (the world's largest recreational bike ride in Sweden covering over 195 miles in 2013 and 2014), and Dirty Kanza (100 miles in Kansas in 2013 and 2014). He also competed in the Pikes Peak Marathon on five occasions: 3 round-trip and 2 ascent-only races.
Like his father, Chuck was a HAM radio operator for many years. When his father passed away Chuck took his Call Sign "W0BBO." In 2019 he received recognition for his dedicated service to Colorado Amateur Radio Weather Net. He originated 2,000 Weather Messages as a Public Service to the National Weather Service.
Apart from his other hobbies, he loved to gourmet cook for his friends and family. Chuck and Caroline traveled to many places all over the world, favorites included Italy, Sweden, and cruising on the ocean. They met numerous friends in their travels who they have remained close with over the years.
A Celebration of Life will be held, Monday, January 13, 2025, at The First Baptist Church, 317 E. Kiowa, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Service is at 2:00 p.m., doors will be open at 1:30 p.m.
You may view the livestream at: www.firstbaptist-cs.org.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, www.firstbaptist-cs.org.