NAOMI J. "TINY" EKDAHL's Obituary
NAOMI J. "TINY" EKDAHL, 81, of L'Anse, MI. passed away Friday, October 28, 2005 in the company of her family in Michigamme, MI. following a short illness. She was born in L'Anse, MI. on February 16, 1924, the fifth of seven children of the late Leonard and Lillian (Deau) Draeger. Tiny was a 1942 graduate of L'Anse High School. During WWII she served in the Navy, and was permanently injured in service to her country. On October 5, 1946 she married Edward Ekdahl in Detroit, MI.. Ed spent a 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force, and the family lived in a variety of locations during those years, including Florida, Texas, Iowa, Kansas, K.I. Sawyer A.F.B., Marquette, and Canada, eventually retiring and returning to Baraga County. Upon their return to L'Anse, Ed and Tiny operated the Sears store in L'Anse for several years. Both Ed and Tiny were active members of both the VFW and the L'Anse American Legion post 144. Tiny was a life member of the WAVES and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and the DAV. She was also a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, L'Anse. Ed preceded her in death in November 2000. Tiny loved socializing with family and friends, and was particularly fond of playing cards. In her retirement years, she was active in card playing leagues in Baraga County, enjoying more than her share of success. She was proud of being a member of both the Draeger and Ekdahl families, taking great pleasure in family events and reunions. Most of all though, she took exceptional pride in her several grandchildren and their many accomplishments.
Mrs. Ekdahl is survived by her loving children, Jim (Peggy) Ekdahl of L'Anse, and Joan (Paul) Haara of Michigamme, grandchildren, Bethany (Matt) Hiitola, (and great-grandson Nathan), Kimberly Haara, Erik (Elizabeth) Greg (Kathy), Emily (Michael) Kujansuu, Sarah, and Andrew Ekdahl, sister, Rita Wentala of Neenah, WI., and sisters-in-law, Esther, Tess and Kappy. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Sylvester, Bernard, Leonard and Donald, and sister, Juanita.
Funeral services for Mrs. Ekdahl were held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 31, 2005 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with Father Augustin George officiating. Interment took place in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. Erik, Greg, and Andrew Ekdahl, Mike Kujansuu, Matt Hiitola and Paul Haara honored her as casket escorts..The family received friends on Sunday, October 30, 2005 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel and for 1 hour prior to the funeral service on Monday. A parish prayer service was held Sunday evening at 7 p.m. at the chapel Following the service on Monday, the family invited friends to join them for fellowship and luncheon in the Harrington Gathering room, located at the funeral home. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse has been entrusted with arrangements.
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