Gerald H. ‘Jerry’ Ekman, 85, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away at his home in Sedro-Woolley on Monday, March 17, 2008 with his wife, Dorothy and son, Ronnie by his side.
Jerry was born on June 3, 1922 in Mount Vernon, WA, one of five children of Herman & Edith Alskog Ekman. He was raised and attended school in Mount Vernon.
Jerry was a hard working man. At age 15 he began working in the farming industry, then he worked as a mechanic and oiler in the logging industry for several years; he worked for Christopherson Construction for 10 years and then began a 27 year career as a heavy equipment operator for J.J. Welcome & Sons Construction Co. operating cats and back hoes building roads in Washington, Oregon and Montana, many of which we still drive on today.
Jerry was united in marriage to Dorothy Soren in Tacoma on May 12, 1961 and they made their home in Sedro-Woolley.
After his retirement and on his days off from work he enjoyed fishing, hunting and telling stories around the camp fire. Jerry was the kind of man who had no trouble making and keeping friends wherever he went.
He was a member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local #302.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Dorothy, at the family home in Sedro-Woolley. His children, Ronald Ekman of Florida, Sandy Richards and companion Bob Muldoon of Port Angeles, WA, Susan Ekman of Sedro-Woolley, JoAnn Hammer and companion Pat Maloy of Twisp, WA, Robert Soren of Pasco, WA and Ronnie Dean and his wife Joy of Sedro-Woolley. Also numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman & Edith, a daughter, Judy Brady, 3 sisters, Edith, Margaret & Gwen and 1 brother, Melvin.
The family would like to acknowledge Dr.’s Steven Aldrich and Wayne Martin and staff and Skagit Hospice for their care and professionalism.
Memorials are suggested to Skagit Hospice, PO Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 or Option Care of Mount Vernon.
Graveside services for Jerry will be held at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at 2:00P.M with Pastor Leon Meyer officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.