Harry Edward Ekberg

Harry Edward Ekberg died peacefully in his home on April 12, 2015. He died in the room where he was born on November 10,1920, to John Henry and Rhoda Velma (May) Ekberg. This was his grandfather May's home one mile north of Beecher where he and Beulah later made their home.

His education began in the one-room school house at Beecher Island and he later graduated from Armel High School in 1940. In October 1943, Harry joined the United States Navy serving as a Carpenter's Mate. Despite a heart murmur,the Navy accepted him because of the need for carpenters . He toured in the South Pacific and worked on PT Boats made of mahogany. He would serve his country in New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. Stationed in New Guinea in 1943, Harry was confirmed into the Lutheran Church through correspondence with Pastor W.W. Wilkes of St.John's Lutheran Church at Vernon.

While aboard a troop tra in from San Francisco to St. Louis, Harry threw a letter to his parents out the window of the train as it passed through Wray. The letter was found by Charlie Steiner by the old mill race and delivered to his dad.
On November 15, 1944,Harry married Beulah May Brueggeman in Vernon at St.John's Lutheran Church while home on leave. The young couple moved to St. Louis, Missouri where Harry was stationed. While there,they enjoyed many St. Louis Cardinals' games (it's okay because the Rockies weren't around yet).

In 1947, Harry and Beulah purchase the farm from his grandparents,John J. and Laura (Prater) May. They would need a farm to raise and entertain their four daughters, Marilyn Lee (1946), Linda Sue (1947) and the twins,Carol Jean and Betty Jane who were born on their fourth wedding anniversary in 1948. Besides four girls, Harry raised cows, pigs and chickens. Hefarmed wheat, alfalfa, millet, and somehow found time to pursue his carpentry work.

In addition to his faith and family, Harry believed in actively supporting his community. He served on the Board of Directors for the Beecher Island Battleground Memorial Association for many years and even helped with the building of the original chapel. As an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Harry served as an elder and officer for many years. Harry was a charter member of the local VFW Post No.4671. He also served as Yuma County Farm Bureau President, as a member of the PT Boat Alumni, and was an original member of the PT Boat Alumni. Many, many batches of pancake batter Harry made while a member of the Lions Club. His commitment to so many organizations did not go unnoticed. In 2006,Harry was awarded the Melvin Jones Foundation Award for dedicated humanitarian services.

Harry loved to meet people and visit with friends and family. He enjoyed the visitors and hunters who stopped by Beecher Island and developed long-term friendships over the years. More long-time friends were made through Harry and Beulah's travels and square dancing. His sharp memory made for great story telling with incredible accuracy and detail.

On Sunday, April 12, 2015, Harry Edward Ekberg left this earth to be with his family in heaven. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, John Henry and Rhoda Velma Ekberg; his loving wife, Beulah Ekberg {2011); his sister, Rhoda Renzelman (2014); and brother,Nelson Ekberg (2014). He is survived by his brother-in-law,Alfred Renzelman; sister-in-law, Jacque Ekberg;daughters,Marilyn
Bruffett, Linda (Ed) Inga, Carol (Glenn) Chapman, Betty Jeurink (Thane Greene); his only grandson, Cory Jeurink (Lori); granddaughters, Tobi Jeurink, Melanie Hall,and Andrea Inga; his great-grandchildren, Garrett Hall,Griffin Hall,Gavin Hall,Ethan Jeurink, Emily Jeurink, Ellie Jeurink; step-grandchildren,Kathy, Stephanie,Tracy, Glenn Jr.and Dan Chapman;and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held April 16 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Wray and burial was at the Armel Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to Wray State Bank, P.O. Box 277, Wray,CO 80758 in Harry's memory.
Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements .