John Carl Ekman, 56, of Helena passed away at his home the morning of Thursday July 14th.
John was born to John and Marilyn Ekman on September 1, 1954 in Helena.
He grew up in East Helena and attended Helena High School, graduating in 1972. After his graduation, John set out on an adventure, hitchhiking across the United States spending periods of time in Arizona, Florida and Alaska. Upon returning back to Helena, he married and had two beautiful children; Eric and Sarah. John worked faithfully as a clerk for the United States Postal Service for 34 years, retiring in September of 2009. He spent a short time delivering express mail, through which he created his favorite moniker “Expressman”. John was a diehard Minnesota fan his whole life; he cheered on the Vikings, the Twins, and the Timberwolves. He showed his support by wearing one of his team shirts when each season was in play. He loved playing with children, and making people laugh. He also loved going to mineral, rock and gem shows, searching for geodes which he both collected and treasured. Just as with a geode, John’s true beauty lay within; he had a beautiful heart and loved deeply, and he will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved him.
John is survived by his mother, Marilyn Ekman of Helena; his son Eric Ekman (Cindy) and grandchildren Emma Ekman and William Ekman of Tumwater, WA; daughter Sarah Mjelde (Bruce) of Spokane. Also his sisters: Linda Johnson of Stevensville, MD; Debbie Davis (Bob), Barbara Knutson (Bruce) and half brother David Ekman all of Helena. Also, several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
John is preceded in death by his father, John Celestin Ekman.
The family would like to invite you to John’s celebration of life on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 1 PM at Anderson, Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. You are encouraged to wear a Minnesota Vikings shirt or Vikings purple and gold to the service.
Barb Ekman Knutson says
I miss you so much John. I know you are at peace now and that makes me smile. I bet you that you and dad have already been fishing up in Heaven already. I will miss you each and everyday until I get to see you again. Love your littlest sister “Barbie”. xoxo
Bruce Mjelde says
We will miss you John. Thank you for the gift of your lovely daughter. Lots of love…
David Lewis says
Our love, hughs and thoughts to all of you that loved John as we did. I hope John has found the peace he was searching for.
Take care my friend. We miss you.
Eden Bozman says
My thoughts are with you all.
Jackie Windon says
Hugs to Micki and family during this time of loss.
Jeff Pedersen says
To the Ekman family
My wife and I were sorry to learn that John passed away. I worked for many years with John at the Post Office. Our thoughts and prayers go with you at this difficult time.
Jeff and Diane Pedersen
joe & reggie steffens family says
know our thoughts are with you and your family. love ,
joe ,reg, scott,tim, angie, geni , and families
Larry Petty says
To: Marilyn,Eric,Sarah,Barb,Debbie,Linda & David my thoughts and prayers are with you at the loss of John.
Sincerely,
Larry
Linda Schaible says
Ekman family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing John while employed at the US Post Office. John and I worked together both on Tour 1 and Tour 3. He was a really great guy and will truly be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcia Bignell says
My deepest sympathies to my Aunt Marilyn and my cousins, Linda, Debbie and Barbie and to John’s family. May God hold you all close in His loving arms and comfort you during this time. My heart goes out to all of you. I wish I could be there for you, but know that I am in spirit. With much love,
Marcia (Fossum) Bignell
Marilyn Olson says
Barb and family,
May god hold you close at this time, my prayers are with you at this time.
Marilyn
Patty Kessner says
Debbie & family: I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. My you find comfort in your treasure box of memories of your borther to help you through this very difficult ti me.
Paula and Wayne Dillavou says
Our heartfelt sorrow to all of the family. Our love and prayers are with you. Paula and Wayne Dillavou
Sarah Mjelde says
Love you Daddy… you’ll always be with me, like a handprint on my heart.
Vicki Clagett says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Linda, Barb, Deb, and “Mom”… Go Vikings!