Ekstrom, Charles E. 1929-2016. Charles Edward ("Chuck") Ekstrom passed away on December 17, 2016. He was at home in the presence of his family. Chuck was born on November 12, 1929 in Escuela, Guatemala, to Oliver and Ruth Ekstrom. He met his wife in Chicago, IL and they married in 1954. Chuck served in the United States Army as a ship's radio operator during the Korean conflict, and owned businesses in Park Ridge, IL and Phoenix, AZ. Chuck was a lifelong advocate on behalf of children and families, as founder, board member or volunteer for numerous organizations, including National Action for Foster Children, the Arizona state Foster Care Review Board, Arizona Friends of Foster Children, and Christian Family Care. In retirement, Chuck became an avid volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, assisting in builds all over the country. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kay; seven children, Deborah, Laurie Strate, Daniel, Eric, Mindy Gillen, Russ, and Jen; eight grandchildren, Ryan, Jeff, Stephanie, Megan, Joanna Bowes, Cari Nick, Mike, Sam Strate; three great grandchildren, Destiny, Haley Ekstrom-LaVeque, and Kelsey Bowes; and his brothers, Jonathan and Alfred. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 1:30pm at North Ridge Community Church; 6363 E. Dynamite Boulevard; Cave Creek, Arizona 85331. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Christian Family Care; 3603 North Seventh Avenue; Phoenix, Arizona 85013