Jerry Dean Ekkelkamp

Full obituary for Hawthorne Website

Jerry Dean Ekkelkamp, 82 of Mount Vernon passed away peacefully on July 15, 2021 at Birchview Memory Care Center in Sedro Woolley. 

He was born on July 9, 1939 to John and Wilma Ekkelkamp in Oak Harbor and moved to Mount Vernon at a very young age. He graduated from MV High School and in 1961 he married Marion Kadyk of Everett. They made their home in Mount Vernon and had 4 children.

Jerry began working at Conway Feed. He and a friend then started their own business “Home Service Bakery” where he delivered bakery and dairy items to people’s homes. People still recall waiting for him to come in his delivery truck to bring food right to their  front door.  He then went on to work for Frito Lay and retired with the company more than 30 years. His route was mainly Island County and he established many relationships with businesses. He would always show up at a get together with a box of chips (sometimes they were stale). He was active as a volunteer fireman for Cedardale Fire Department and McLean Road Fire Department and later on became the assistant chief and fire commissioner. He was also a lifelong member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Mount Vernon.

Jerry enjoyed many activities: fishing on the Skagit, camping and traveling with family and friends, yearly hunting trips to Twisp, watching the Mariners and keeping his yard looking pristine.

Jerry’s family always came first. His wife, Marion, his kids and grandkids were his top priority.  He loved his friends and was always willing to lend a hand. He had no problem pulling over to the side of the road to help someone in distress.

He is survived by his wife, Marion, as well as daughter and son-in-law, Rob and Karla Shepherd of Mt. Vernon, son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Ida Ekkelkamp of Mt. Vernon, son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Julie Ekkelkamp of Bellingham, and daughter and son-in-law, Heidi and Scott Martin of Sedro Woolley; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Bryant, and sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Alan Jongsma.

Celebration of life service for Jerry will be held on Friday, July 23 at 1:00 p.m. at First Christian Reformed Church in Mount Vernon with reception following at the church. 

Memorials may be made to Mount Vernon Christian School or McLean Rd. Fire Dept.