Neil Eklund's Obituary
Neil Eklund, age 62, passed away Sunday October 10th, 2021 at 11:11am surrounded by his wife and children. Neil was a lover of life and lived each day to be the best husband and father he could be. Neil was born in Muskegon, Michigan and when he was a preschooler he moved to California with his family. Neil spent his youth between California and Washington, returning to Muskegon after his career in the military as a United States Marine. Neil was best known for his great story telling, being an avid fisherman and hunter, a fixer of everything, and always ready to lend a helping hand. Neil was the business owner of Eklund Outback Express LLC, was an astounding mechanic, and then ended his career as a truck driver at Haggerty Logistics Inc in 2020. Neil’s passion of life was defined by his love for his family. One of his proudest moments was getting all his kids a bow to join him for family hunting trips. Neil will always be remembered as a man of grit and tenacity. He was smart and witty, and above all else: a man who loved his whole family unconditionally. Neil is survived by his; wife Patricia Eklund. His children Tonya Smith-Bloom (Eddie Bloom), Laurie Smeltz, Joshua Thomas (Patty Thomas), Meghan Thomas, Dean Barrow, Noelle Eklund, and Joel Eklund. His many grandchildren; Christian, Jerod, Jordan, Alyssa, Mackenzie, Junior, Ava, Jeremiah, Marianna, Kadin, Serene, Savannah, Javier, and Ezekiel. His great grandchild Cyrus, sister Sharon Grosclaude, and lifelong best friend Mark Dewitt. Lastly, Neil’s fur babies that he couldn’t go a day without; Iris and Nova. Neil was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Maxine Eklund, brother Noel Eklund, sister Sue Wolcott; and beloved grandchildren Serenity Meinders and Nicholas Woolman. SERVICES for Neil will be held 1:00 PM Friday, October 15, 2021 at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210. VISITATION with the family will be from 5-8 PM Thursday, October 14, 2021. Burial will take place in Egelston Twp. Cemetery. MEMORIALS to the family will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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