Friends and family are remembering Charlene Agnes Eddleman, a longtime Perryville resident known for her kindness, community spirit and deep commitment to Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial.
Charlene, 78, passed away Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis.
She was born June 25, 1947, in Belgique to Adam J. and Aurelia M. (Depaul) Klobe. She and James Eddleman were married Dec. 2, 1972, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Perryville.
Charlene enjoyed volunteering at Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial, gardening, fishing and working crossword puzzles. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary and the Spirit Within Committee. Over the years, she worked as an operator at Gilster-Mary Lee and, after retirement, part-time at Robinson Construction Company.
She was also a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Her dedication to Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial as its former director, however, is what many in Perry County will remember most. Her friend Nancy Guth said Charlene embodied the warmth and hospitality that made the site special.
“I will always remember how Charlene made everyone feel welcome when they came to visit MNVM; she never knew a stranger,” Guth said. “Charlene’s love for MNVM showed through in so many ways. You could always see the pride in her face as she met visitors and talked about how the memorial came to be. Charlene loved working side by side with the volunteers, always making sure she knew about their families and what was going on in their lives. We are all blessed to have known this humble, kind woman and will be forever grateful for her contributions to Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial and our community.”
Charlene’s compassion and steady presence left a lasting impression on those who knew her through the memorial, where she volunteered countless hours greeting guests and sharing the story of its creation.
Survivors include her husband, James Eddleman; daughter, Jaime (Jason) Reisenbichler; brother, Daniel (Jeanette) Klobe; and two grandchildren, Jeffery (Annie Hayden) Reisenbichler and Jeremy Reisenbichler. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, and continues from 8 to 9:50 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville.
Funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Matthew Marks officiating. Burial will be held privately at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Immanuel Lutheran Building Fund or Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome. com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
