Charles Spencer Klabunde, 88, of Easton, died Thursday, June 20, 2024 in his home. Born October 1, 1935 in Omaha, Nebraska, he was the son of the late Otto and Suzanne (Rohrbough) Klabunde. He owned Charles Klabunde Gallery and Studio and was a master printmaker, painter and fine artist. His works have been displayed in many museums, including Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; Museum of Modern Art, New York; National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C; Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; and National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin Ireland. He had the honor of working with the renowned playwright Samuel Beckett illustrating a box book edition of The Lost Ones.
Charles earned his B.F.A. at the University of Nebraska and his M.F.A. at the University of Iowa. In 1970, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship. He was an Assistant Professor of Art at The Cooper Union and was a Council Member of the Society of American Graphic Artists. Charles received many national and international awards and wrote for numerous publications.
Surviving are his beloved companion of 28 years, Lee Boyd; two sons, Jedidiah Klabunde and Noah Klabunde and his wife, Molly; and twin grandsons, Eli and James. He was predeceased by his sister, Ardeth Trowbridge and his brother, Otto Klabunde.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Charles’ home and Gallery, 73 N. 2nd St., Easton. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is assisting with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Third Street Alliance for Women and Children, www.thirdstreetalliance.org or Safe Harbor Easton, www.safeharboreaston.com. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
bonnie winfield
June 22, 2024 at 5:23 pm
My deepest condolences to Lee. I loved listening to how the two of you met! Charles was a beautiful man who always brought me joy! A great artist and friend. He will be deeply missed by me and many in the Easton community.
Rosalie Mancino
June 22, 2024 at 5:25 pm
Lee, my deepest condolences in the loss of this great man, Charles. His work is beautiful
and you will always have that in your heart❤️. He had a beautiful smile and he will surely watch over you. Love you, Ro
Lady Colleen Heller
June 22, 2024 at 5:51 pm
The impression you left on anyone who spent time with you truly listening will never be forgotten. Thank you Charles.
Your love of Lee will always be what people can be inspired to be with any relationship be it human or of nature.
You loved both.
cena martinez
June 23, 2024 at 8:44 am
Thinking of you as you celebrate Charle’s life. A privilege to have met a being with an unrepeatable artistic perspective. A true unfortunate for the most darling of a partner. You have my friendship during this difficult time 🤍
Jennifer Murray & Joe Langdon
June 23, 2024 at 11:28 am
We feel so fortunate to have been able to get to know Charles. He was an incredibly kind friend and extraordinarily talented artist who shared so much of his work and life with us. The time we were able to spend with him in his studio among all his work is so precious to us and we will hold it in our hearts. The love shared between Charles and Lee is an inspiration to us all. A truly unforgettable person, we miss him so much already.
Debra Norman
June 23, 2024 at 12:20 pm
I want to extend my deep and heartfelt condolences to my dear cousin Lee and to the family and friends of Charles. My fondest memories of Charles will be of his true love of and devotion to Lee, of his kind and caring ways, and of his unique artistic talent. Rest in peace, Charles. You will be missed by many and never forgotten. ❤️🙏❤️
Michele Tanzella
June 23, 2024 at 12:21 pm
Lee and family,
So sorry for your loss. Will miss seeing his smile in the neighborhood.
With deepest sympathy,
Michele and Lula B. Petulia
Lynn and Gene Brandli
June 23, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Lee, you have been a cherished friend for many years. So sorry for what you are going through, saying goodbye to your true love. Charles was such a gracious and talented man. Thank you for bringing him into our lives.
Peter Wardle
June 23, 2024 at 12:56 pm
A delightful, multifaceted individual with an incredible talent, it was my pleasure and good fortune to meet and work with him, albeit too briefly. Condolences to all his loved ones.
Lori Dalrymple
June 23, 2024 at 1:07 pm
Always a smile and hello, when I walked by and the most beautiful window in Easton as far as I am concerned, showing off his artwork, he will surely be missed!
My condolences to his family
Carol Rutgers
June 23, 2024 at 2:08 pm
Lee–Our sympathy goes out to you and the family. May all of your memories help you to get through this difficult time. Love, Carol & Jim Rutgers, Debbie Norman, and Calvin Martin
Sal Panto
June 23, 2024 at 2:08 pm
I am deeply saddened to learn id Charles’ passing. He was not only a talented artist, he was also a fine human being. He will be missed in our city.
Katie Brennan
June 23, 2024 at 2:43 pm
I will always remember Charles as a kind and gentle man, with the talent many only dream of. He will be greatly missed in his community. Sending you my deepest condolences, Lee, as you navigate the road ahead. All my love, Katie
Cindy Frankenfield Gattone
June 23, 2024 at 3:24 pm
Sending love and prayers to my cousin, Lee. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying that the special love you had for each other and all the beautiful memories get you through thus difficult time. Love you.
Bill & Mary Iacovone
June 23, 2024 at 3:29 pm
Our condolences
Larry and Ginni Truglio
June 23, 2024 at 3:40 pm
Charles was a true original! We will always remember the good times we shared over many meals and many bottles of wine! His legacy will live on with his incredible etchings and paintings. We were so fortunate to call him a friend a well as to admire him as an artist. Sincere condolences to Lee and to his family.
Seth
June 23, 2024 at 9:33 pm
I never personally knew Charles but I moved into 27 N 2nd Street a year ago with my Wife. New to Easton, I fondly remember passing Charles’ home each day on my way back home from where I park my car. I would catch him on his porch enjoying the evening and we often shared a smile and hello. I’ll miss seeing him sitting on the porch in the evenings but I’ll always remember them.
The extended Tim Johnson MD family
June 23, 2024 at 11:17 pm
Collectors and friends since 1975 we are so sorry for this loss. His legacy and great works will brighten our lives and light our hearts with his vision every day as they have for decades. We loved visiting his studio and gallery and talking with Charles and Lee. We send our love and best wish to all his family and friends. As Lee said: Charles was our Super Nova and our hearts soar for his brilliance. Tim
Christine Grear and Bob Grear
June 24, 2024 at 9:31 am
Condolences to you. Charles was a great person/friend to know and will be sorely missed
Patrick poladian
June 24, 2024 at 9:37 am
We will miss this exceptional artist ,creator, who brought wonder to the eyes and heart!