Richard Eugene Ekwall Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Fairmont resident Richard "Dick" Eugene Ekwall, 95, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Fairview Manor in Fairmont, NE. Memorial services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2020, at the Fairmont Community Church in Fairmont, NE with Pastor Seungli You officiating. Private Inurnment will take place at the Sutton Cemetery. In honoring his wish to be cremated there will not be visitation or viewing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Fairmont Community Church. Services will be live-streamed from Sutton Memorial Chapel's Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/suttonmemorial. Masks will be required to attend the service. Richard was born in Martland, NE on October 11, 1925. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1942 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after at 17 years of age. He served in the Eastern Theater of Operation as a Corporal during World War II, stationed in Southeast Asia, including the island of Iwo Jima. After the war, Richard received his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Hastings College. There he met and married his wife Joan (Kohler). He earned his Master's and Education Specialist degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He spent his years in education as a math teacher and administrator, making stops in Gallup, NM, Beemer, NE, Fairmont, NE, and Farragut, IA, before retiring following the 1990-91 school year. He served as Superintendent of Fairmont Public Schools. After his retirement, he served as the Fillmore County Superintendent of Schools in a part-time capacity for several years. He also served on several church committees as an active member of the United Methodist Church, the housing authority and nursing home committees in Fairmont. He was elected to Educational Service Unit 6, serving on the board. An avid golfer, fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, Richard was a beloved family man and dear friend to many. He spent many of his days during retirement on the golf course and on fishing trips with family. Countless hours were spent telling, listening and rehashing stories with buddies at the coffee shop and the Senior Center. A few of his many passions included: Husker Football, playing cards and hosting endless holiday gatherings with family. His enjoyment of spending time with Joan, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were second to none. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Bessie Ekwall; brothers, Robert; Eldon (Ed) and Ralph Ekwall; sister, Arlene and husband Vernon Meyer; sister, Norma and husband George Harris and son, Thomas. Survivors include his wife of over 70 years, Joan; children, Stephen Ekwall of Omaha NE; David Ekwall of Grafton NE; Sharon and husband Robert Hair of Omaha NE; grandchildren, Shawn and wife Megan of Waverly, NE; Christopher of Lincoln, NE; Nicole of Denver, CO; Matthew Kellie of San Francisco, CA; step-granddaughter, Erica Hair of Omaha, NE; great-grandchildren, Landon and Nolan Ekwall of Waverly, NE; and Elijah Kellie of San Francisco, CA; as well as many beloved friends and relatives.

Tributes

Richard Eugene Ekwall

October 10, 1925 - October 24, 2020