Ernest Hjalmar Nathaniel Eklof

Ernest Hjalmar Nathaniel Eklof
Beloved Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, peacefully left this earth to return to his heavenly home on March 4, 2008, 90 years to the day from the time he left his heavenly home to come to this earth on March 4, 1918. He was born to Anna Victoria Larson and Jonas Oskar Eklof in Mellerud Sweden.
He is survived by his two children and their spouses: Annebel (Alan) Meredith of Elk Ridge, UT Kenneth E. (Teresa) Eklof. of Alpine, UT; 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren with an additional 9 great-grandchildren.
He proudly served as a Swedish Police officer until he immigrated to the United States. He married his sweetheart Brita Svensson on September 27, 1950 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Brita had also immigrated from Sweden.
He spent his early family life working as a painting contractor and serving the Lord as a stake missionary and as a bishop's counselor. In 1963 he was called as a Building Missionary where he served with his family in Holland, Finland, Brussels and Sweden. A time after returning home from the mission he was called as the president of the Swedish Branch where he served faithfully for many years.
He began working for the Church translation department in the late 1960's. During that time he had the honor of translating for many of the Prophets and General Authorities of the Church during the LDS General Conferences . This was a great blessing in his life.
When his dear wife Brita passed away in 1985, he returned to Sweden and married the sweetheart he had left behind when he came to America, Inga-Maj Kallkopf. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
He continued his Church service in Sweden in many various positions. He and his wife served twice as temple missionaries, and he as a sealer. He has been a great influence for good upon the members of the church on both continents, through testimony and service. He will be dearly missed.
He loved the beautiful mountains around the Salt Lake Valley and enjoyed fishing and camping, especially fishing. His son, grandsons and even great-grandsons continue that legacy with joy.
His wish was to spend his twilight years with his family in Utah County. A short six weeks after arriving here to stay in 2004, Inga-Maj suffered a fatal heart attack. Ernesthas continued to love and teach his family through his example of unwavering faith and unending gratitude always with a smile on his face right up to the last days of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and four brothers.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the Orchard Park Rehabilitation Center, for their love and care during his last months.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 11, at 12:00, in the Vermont 2nd Ward Chapel, 400 East and 4th North, Orem. Friends may call Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the RussonBrothers Mortuary, 255 East 200 South, Salt Lake City, and Tuesday one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com