Thomas Ekstrum
Des Moines
Tom, 58, passed away from a sudden heart attack, February 27, 2013, at his home.
There will be a celebration of life open house held Saturday, March 16, at Orlondo's on Park Avenue from 1 to 4 pm.
He was preceded in death by his father, David Ekstrum; mother, Margaret (Peggy); and a brother, Randy. Survivors include his daughter, Michelle Anderson (Jon); his sister, Sue, (Butch); brothers, David, Mike (Karen), Pat, Dan (Mike); step-children, Charlie (Angie), Angela and Rebecca Davis, and Rebecca's children; his grandkids, Austin, Lexy and Abbi Nipper; seven nephews and nieces; and four great-nephews and niece. And many close friends he loved like family.
Tom was born March 17, 1954, in Bloomington, MN. He was an avid reader, reading a book a day at times. Tom loved spending time with his daughter and her husband. He would say she was his proudest accomplishment.
He enjoyed cooking and entertaining for his friends and family. Tom always had a story and never knew a stranger.
Tom was a character and he left big boots to fill. He had a huge heart and lived his life exactly how he wanted, to its fullest. Tom loved to learn, usually had something to teach and he spent his time bringing his ideas to life.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Tom's name to the Des Moines Public Library.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
~ Still missing you everyday. Eternal peace, Brother.
Scot Carr
February 25, 2022
I remember you at the farm house, being in football at school, and talking with your dad about how to run plays, and how you two would watch games on tv, studying and analysing. I really miss you, but i know you're having fun up there with your folks.
Jessica Benham
February 26, 2021
~ Miss ya, Tom. Think of our adventures often and laugh!
Scot Carr
February 26, 2020
I miss this big man with a big voice and a loving and happy disposition. He was always so much fun to be around. Will miss him forever.
Jessica Benham
Family
February 26, 2019
My sincere condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of sorrow.
March 14, 2013
I also think of Tom passing too soon, every day and wish we all could have been closer thru the recent years. My sympathies to all of you...a big loss in your family. We will not beable to make the dinner and my heart breaks not being able to give everyone a hug and chatting with you. John is not able to travel very long distance anymore, this is long for him, and I can't leave him very long either. We are praying for all of you to find God's strength and peace. I love you all!
Patty Hilker
March 13, 2013
thoughts are with you all at this time.
David, I am thinking of you.
Love, Carol
CAROL TIERNAN-WILLIAMS
March 12, 2013
I have a heavy heart today Dad. I'm just really starting to miss you.
Michelle (Ekstrum) Anderson
March 12, 2013
i still cant believe it. i think about him, and all the Ekstrums, every day. tonight i miss my loud, boisterous, loving, completely full of life cousin so much. i cant imagine how much you hurt, Michelle and Jon,even though i am in tears. my prayers for peace to you
jessi benham
March 9, 2013
Two big guys, two big hugs, two great smiles...will miss that Tom. Just by chance,I ran into Tom at the end of the season party at the Birdalnd Marina. Wonderful chat with my long time friend, feel blessed. Condolences to all of the Ekstrum Family.
Dave Freylack
March 9, 2013
March 03, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Tom will live on forever in your hearts.
Deb (Harrison) Taylor
March 8, 2013
I seen Tom this past summer and I still have the great feeling I got when we spoke. Tom did make you feel like you were the most important person in the room. Really sorry to see this sad news, he will be in the hearts of his family and friends. Prayers of peace for his family, Tom was one of the good guys! RIP buddy
Don Bailey
March 8, 2013
Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Sheri Moon-Lightkep
March 7, 2013
So very sad , lots of memories from childhood and the old neighborhood! Deepest sympathy to all the family.
Vicki (Paterno) Laffoon
March 7, 2013
I will never forget the way that Tom made me feel. In a room full of people, he always made me feel like I was the most important one.
Charlene Summers
March 6, 2013
I was very sad to here about Tom's passing. Although I had not seen him in several years, I will always remember how he would yell "Mabie baby!!!" whenever he'd see me. What a wonderful guy that will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Tim Mabie
March 6, 2013
So sorry to see this, I lost contact with the Ekstrum family years ago, but they where very much a part of my childhood, so sorry for all! Sue Burmeister Davis
March 6, 2013
Suz.. too much..too soon..so sorry to hear this news..my thoughts and prayers are with you..Tommy..such a character..much Aloha Jan Miller Francisco
March 6, 2013
Very very sad to hear, prayers are with the family.
Jane Porter-Graham
March 5, 2013
So sad to hear about this ... am sending prayers for comfort and strength out to Tom's family. It's been a joy and privilege to know him - through our youth then as adults. Rest well, Tom ... you will be missed.
Deb Jolliffe Andreano
Deborah Andreano
March 5, 2013
My prayers are sent to the family
Roseann Cardamon-Cady
March 5, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the Ekstrum Family during this difficult time. Our family lived down the street from your family. I remember the rope swing in the lot next door to your house and I also remember babysitting for Danny and Pat. Lots of great memories of your whole family.
Ann (Hartman) Williams
March 5, 2013
My prayers to Ekstrum family. Have a lot of good memories with Tom!!! Have known him since jr. HS. R.I.P & peace !!!
Chris Coco
March 5, 2013
Tommy was always a fun and special person through out his life. He will be missed by the many lives he has touched. We have so many special memories. Our prayers are for God's peace and understandng for the entire family. We love you all.
Patty Hilker
March 4, 2013
Keith R. Machlan
March 4, 2013
Michelle, you will be in my thoughts and prayers I will miss your Dad he was so much fun. Just remember love, family and forgiveness are the most important things in life. Love ya auntie Lynne
March 4, 2013
Michelle and family,
So sorry to read about your Dad's passing on facebook. Although I never met him, he must have been quite a guy from what I have read from your many friends. Thinking about you!
Jerry and Norma Farrell
March 4, 2013
What a beautiful tribute to your father. Praying daily for you and your family Michelle. Much love to you all.
Adrian Stinson
March 4, 2013
Jordan Briley
March 4, 2013
Sending love to all those touched by Tom. Michelle, I love you you know. Thinking of you always.
Evie
March 4, 2013
Di Sparks-Troch
March 4, 2013
Tom- you are a character and we enjoyed our times that we spent with you! You will be missed here on this earth, but we know your spirit will live on....Michelle will see to that! Hugs to the family who are grieving thru this painful time.
Steph Jessen & Mo Knupp
March 4, 2013
Tommy, Your enthusiasm and laughter will remain in my heart and in the hearts of all who knew you forever. RIP Dearest Cousin, You will be missed!
Wendy Mcgie
March 4, 2013
I will miss your stories and humor old friend. Peace
Dave Crippen
March 4, 2013
I'm sad that I never knew Tom as an adult. We played together during family visits when we were kids. What a huge loss. My condolences.
Carol Ekstrum Salmon
March 4, 2013
Michael Bradley
March 4, 2013
I'm very sorry to hear about Tom's sudden passing. My sister and I were born on the same day as Tom, and as a kid, I felt a special kinship because of that. I wish that I have known Tom better as adults; his obituary describes a guy who was friendly, warm and interesting to talk to. My condolences to his family.
March 4, 2013
Our prayers and thoughts go out to Tom's family. We throughly enjoyed the times that we spent with Tom. Elaine & Dennis
March 4, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Linda St. Claire
March 3, 2013
you have been there since day one, & you were still there, i didn't see why you had to go so soon, its not fair to us, i know you are in a better place & that he needed a knew angel, but i just wish i could have seen you one more time, walking, breathing, talking , just one more time before you went to gods home, i know your looking down & watching us & making sure we are doing good & nothing bad happens to us because you loved us every much & we loved you very much back, but its just to soon for you to leave, that its crazy ! i will always miss you & love you, i will see you when its my turn when god takes me to be with the rest of my family that i have lost, we all miss you, hope you are having fun up there, i love you ? R.I.P. Grandpa
always loved, never forgotten ! ?
Abbi
March 3, 2013
You will be missed my old friend my heart goes out to all of you.
Gary Speck
March 3, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Tom will live on forever in your hearts and memories. May God hold you in the palm of His hand as you go through this time of sorrow.
Kelley Duregger Stumme
March 3, 2013
RIP Tom. I will remember you.
Kelly Hibbs
March 3, 2013
Our hearts especially go out to Michelle (& Jon), my dad, my aunt and uncles, and Vicki, as we all are mourning the loss of my Uncle Tom.
He had such a big heart, adventurous life, and gift of telling great stories. We will miss him very much.
Brad & Jen Rist
March 3, 2013
Thoughts and prayers for all of you. He always was the life of the party!
Laura & Kevin Shea
March 3, 2013
~ it's been so much knowing Tom for all these years. even when we bickered like we were seven years old we laughed. farewell, Tom.
scot carr
March 3, 2013
To close friends & family of Tim, God Bless! I went to school with Tom since Brody Jr. High. It's been many years since visiting with Tom last. RIP Tom
Alan
Alan Whitmarsh
March 3, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jeffrey Douglas
March 3, 2013
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