Carl John Ekman

1932 - 2025

Carl John Ekman, 92

It is with great sadness that the family of Carl John Ekman announces his passing on August 24, 2025. At the age of 92, we celebrate with joy a life well-lived. C. John was born on November 16, 1932, in Geneva, Illinois.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Susan Ekman; his sons, Stephen (Lisa Polo) Ekman and Craig (Theresa) Ekman; his grandchildren, Aubrie (Mateusz) Malinowski, Hannah (Victoria) Ekman, Lyndsey (Devin) Brassfield and Jake (Holly) Ekman; his great grandchildren Ella, Taylyn, Keenan and Harper along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl Philip and Aileen Craig Snively Ekman and his sister Ellen Garlinghouse.

Growing up in Batavia, Illinois, John spent his early years working with his father at the Batavia Dairy. John excelled in sports, including track and field and basketball taking these talents to Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois where he was also a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Between his undergraduate studies and graduate school, John enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Germany, as a First Lieutenant in the 22nd Infantry, Gunnery Division and received the Army of Occupation Medal. After his honorable discharge from the Army, John married Susan Dustin Power on August 10th, 1958 in Aurora, Illinois. After they were married, John enrolled at Michigan State University, earning a Masters Degree in Business Administration.

C. John began his career at Owens Corning in Perrysburg, Ohio. He moved into aviation finance (which took the couple to places afar like New Zealand, Africa and Hong Kong), ending his career with Security Pacific Bank in Los Angeles. Instead of receiving "the gold watch" at retirement, John chose a canoe and a fly rod, letting his sense of adventure carry the day. He and Susan headed off to Montana to retirement, building their dream house, a Scandinavian log home on Swan Lake.

They spent many happy years on the lake canoeing, fishing and boating with their extended family and friends. Once John and Susan decided to move closer to town, they settled at Eagle Bend in Bigfork, Montana making lasting friendships in the town and golfing community. Eventually they moved to the Villas at Buffalo Hills Terrace in Kalispell, Montana where they met a wonderful community of friends and John was known as a "snappy dresser". They all enjoyed trips together to Glacier, Moose's, Spencer's and of course Nickel Charlies, which became John's favorite breakfast spot these past few years.

John was a devoted husband and care-giver, proud of his Swedish heritage, proud of his life adventures, and most of all, proud of his family.

His granddaughter, Aubrie, summed up his life lessons best…

"Live uniquely your own way. Be proud of your heritage.

And always, always, find joy in the ridiculous".

We'll miss you, Bumpa!

There will be a private family burial held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (https://donorservices.alz.org) as a tribute to his dearly loved wife, Susan.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.