Leroy Elmer Vernon Ekberg

Funeral services for Leroy Ekberg, age 91, of Milaca, will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 11 AM at Milaca Alliance Church with Rev. Will Kosel officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Milaca. Visitation will be from 4 - 7 PM Thursday at Milaca Alliance Church and 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Leroy Elmer Vernon Ekberg was born October 23, 1924 to Manfred and Ellen (Blomquist) Ekberg in Estes Brook, Minnesota. He grew up in Estes Brook. He was in the Merchant Marines and National Guard serving in the Korean War. He toured many countries. He was united in marriage to Irene Gustafson on May 07, 1949. They farmed in Bogus Brook Township for many years. He also worked for the ACS, DHIA, DAC, and built many pole barns. After his retirement, he made and sold birdhouses, lawn ornaments, and Dala horses. He enjoyed lawn work, gardening, flowers, camping, fishing, and his grandchildren. Leroy and Irene have been members of the Milaca Alliance Church since 1950, serving as a volunteer board member and as an elder. He passed away Saturday, March 26, 2016 at the Milaca Elim Home at the age of 91 years old. He is survived by his wife, Irene; daughter, Nancy (Craig) Anson of Milaca and son, Jamie (Jennifer) of Milaca; daughter-in-law, Vicky Ekberg (Joel Wrolstad); 8 grandchildren; 12 great-grandsons; siblings, Elsie (Bud) Johnson of Estes Brook, Glen Ekberg of Rockford, IL, Violet Belkholm of Braham, and Mildred (Darryl) Carlson of Rockford, IL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Leroy was preceded in death by his son, Gordy; brothers, Reuben and Raymond; sisters, Florence Swanson and Gladys Brink.