Robert J. Ekelund

Robert Jack Ekelund, 74, of Edinboro, PA passed to be with the Lord on July 17, 2023.

Bob loved life, his family, and his friends, and battled to the end armed with his humorous wit, faith, and fighting spirit.  Wearing many hats throughout his days, his life’s purpose was to be a support and friend to anyone in need.  Even during his last days he continued to help people see the good in themselves and would draw out a smile or laugh to ease the spirit.

Growing up as an only child on his parents’ farm, he was tasked with hard work and dedication.  During high school, he twice participated in the State Championship for pole vaulting and track and field for General McLane’s first track team.  He also lettered in wrestling and football. After being drafted into the Marine Corps in 1968, he donned a welder helmet and continued his work for General Electric as a locomotive assembler and welder for 37 years.  During this time he added a fireman’s helmet and joined the Edinboro Fire Department where he volunteered as a fireman and paramedic for 29 years.  Even in his retirement, his charitable spirit continued with an American Legion cap resting proudly on his silver white handsome head of hair.  He served as the American Legion Commander, Sergeant of Arms, and district chaplain, and was awarded  “Commander of the Year.”  During his retirement years, he could also be found preparing the Edinboro American Legion pool and mowing acres of unruly grass adorned with his farm hat embellished with a turkey feather.

His children and grandchildren would attest that his parenting philosophy would be “always do what is right, keep your faith, pay attention and safety first, and every moment in life has something to teach.” Numerous hikes and camping trips with his children graduated into upbeat weekly informational updates of his deer, turkeys, hummingbirds, and grass length which were all small testaments of his love of nature.  His love of music continued from his early days singing in a band, and he could be heard singing along to the sounds of the Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, or Christian Rock wherever he was working.

Bob’s love for his family prompted his exploration into genealogy and if given more time here on Earth, his family was convinced he would have traced his family legacy (and yours) to biblical times. 

He was predeceased by his father Wilbert (Iver) Manferd Ekelund and his mother Thelma Vivian Dundon.  He lovingly leaves behind his wife Susan Ekelund, son Simon (Susanne) Ekelund and grandchildren Kaylen and Alexandra, daughter Summer Ekelund and grandchildren Luke and Austin, and Susan Ekelund’s daughter Terra (Clint) and grandson Riley.

Bob had a long “to-do list” yet to accomplish which included seeing his grandchildren graduate high school, traveling, mowing miles of grass, sharing his jokes and humor, and being of service to those in need.

Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Sunday,  July 23, 2023 from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. A service will be held at the McLane Church, 12511 Edinboro Rd., Edinboro, PA 16412 on Monday at 10:00 am.

Memorials may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org/donate). To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.