uncle eldon

On Thursday, our family traveled to the Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.  The number of people attending the visitation for Eldon was staggering.  We stood in line for over an hour.  We were able to visit with Ruby, Doug, Michelle, Sandi, Rod, Shari, Ron and Dan.  We also got to see his grown up grandchildren--one who is expecting his first great grandchild.  It was a beautiful testimony to the wonderful person Eldon was during his time here on earth.

Here is an excerpt from his obituary at the Mankato Free Press:

Eldon Ekstrom, age 83, of Butterfield died on Sunday, September 7, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Health System-St. James.
  Funeral services will be 10:30am, Friday, September 12, 2014, at First Lutheran Church in Butterfield with Rev. Lowell Asplund officiating.
  Burial will follow at the Butterfield City Cemetery in Butterfield.
   Visitation will be Thursday at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James from 5-8pm and will continue at the church on Friday one hour before services.

 Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.
  Eldon Ray Ekstrom was born in St. James, MN, on March 17, 1931, the son of Algort and Helen (Youngdale) Ekstrom. He was baptized at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church on April 15, 1931, confirmed on May 20, 1945 at East Sveadahl. Eldon graduated from St. James High School in 1949. He then attended the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture in St. Paul. On June 27, 1953, Eldon was united in marriage to Ruby Pierson. Eldon worked as a creamery operator, farmed, was an Agri Business manager and currently did electric motor repair and refrigeration.
  Eldon served on the Butterfield Fire Department for 26 years, he also served as Fire Chief for 8 years. He was active in his church serving as a council member. Eldon also served on the board of Luther Memorial Home in Madelia. He enjoyed Fishing, hunting and camping, and watching sports. Eldon and Ruby hosted at State Park Campgrounds near Starbuck and Battle Lake each summer for the past 15 years.
  He is survived by his wife Ruby Ekstrom of Butterfield, his children Sandra (Rodney) Mitchell of Mankato, Shari (Ronald) Matyzsczyk of San Antonio, TX, Daniel Ekstrom of Butterfeild, Douglas (Michele) Ekstrom of Eagle Lake, grandchildren Ashley (Dustin) Roberts, Brittany (Charlie) Eppard, Kylie Matyszczyk, Jason Matyszczyk and Madelin Ekstrom, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Adean, granddaughter Sophia, brothers-in-laws & sister-in-law Larry & Beverly Ahern, Nels Pierson, Leo Zellmer and parents-in-law Nels & Anne Pierson.