Ann J. Eklund's Obituary
Born January 21, 1934 in Watervliet, MI to Amos Karl Wallerstrom and Anna Kilsonas Wallerstrom. She was the youngest of five children, and was preceded in death by her husband, Louis E. Eklund Jr. on February 14, 2013 and they were married in 1954. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Dagney (Stephen) Jazdzyk, Lorraine (Rodger) Johnson, Elsie (Morris) Deater; her brother, Herbert Wallerstrom; and her daughter-in-law, Jody Eklund. She was also preceded in death by her sisters-in law, Ruth (Deut) Snyder, Orel (Wes) Borgeson, Bonnie (Robert) Belknap and brother-in-law, James D. (Kathryn) Eklund. She is survived by her two sons, Bruce (Lynn) Eklund and grandchildren, Nicole (Jason) Nielsen of Grandville, MI and TJ Faino, and Wesley (Jody) Eklund and grandson, Blair (Kristina) Eklund and their children, Braden and Bo of Evergreen CO; grandson Andrew (Amy) Eklund and their daughter, Alexis and son, Archer of Chugiak AK; granddaughter, Erica (William Slayton) Eklund and their daughters, Samantha Slayton, Paige Slayton and son, Blake Slayton of North Muskegon. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and their families who all had fond memories at family gatherings when they were younger. They were busy and exciting times. Ann graduated from Muskegon HS in 1952, went to Hackley School of Nursing in Muskegon 1952-1953 to become an RN. She worked in various positions in nursing with the last 20 years being at Hackley Hospital in surgery. Over the years she and Louis belonged to the Vikings where Louis was once Grand Chief of the Viking Lodge. They wintered in Marco Island for almost 30 years. She had a big yard she enjoyed where she grew vegetables and flowers. Together they created the Muskegon Pier Lights Safety Fund which serves as a legacy to their generosity to the community and also created the Eklund Energy Fund which has installed wind turbines, electric charging stations for hybrid cars and various energy conservation projects in Muskegon through the Community Foundation. They loved their Michigan State Spartans and Detroit Tigers and watched them when they could. She loved to play bridge and found if difficult when COVID restricted this activity. She lived a full and active life and will be greatly missed by all. She attended Samuel Lutheran, Central Lutheran and finally St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Due to COVID restrictions, no memorial services will be held at this time. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Please feel free to share a memory with the family on their online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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