Robert Eklund

ANACONDA - Funeral Mass for Robert H. Eklund will be celebrated from Holy Family Catholic Church Monday, May 14, at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Michael Drury as celebrant. Inurnment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Color Guard.

He will be laid to rest with his wife, Nora.

Rosary will be recited at the Anaconda Chapel of KT Riddle Funeral Homes Sunday at 6:30 p.m. with the vigil service at 7 p.m. Wake/ visitation with family will be Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Robert died Monday, April 23, 2007, at the Nevada Veterans' Home, Boulder City, Nev.

As the family thinks of their beloved father and grandfather, they remember his great pride in being an American. Robert proudly flew the American and Swedish flags above his home to remind us of who we are.

Robert served the country he loved during World War II. He joined the Army on Feb. 26, 1941. A member of the 41st Infantry Division, he served mainly in the campaign in New Guinea. He remained in the service until April 6, 1945. Over the years, he enjoyed meeting his friends downtown to reminisce.

Robert was born in Anaconda on July 9, 1917, to John and Edla (Johansson) Eklund. They raised their family in Anaconda and passed on their pride in their Swedish heritage. Robert quit school at an early age to help his widowed mother raise the rest of the family. At the age of 16, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC's).

Robert later worked with his cousins at the phosphate mine at Garrison. After attending Coins Electrical School in Chicago, Robert became a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and was employed at the smelter as an electrician. In 1963, Robert took a job at Montana State Hospital, Warm Springs, where he remained until his retirement in 1976.

Innovative and creative, Robert became known for his many inventions. After his wife, Nora, died, Robert devised the auto rosary, which could be mounted in a car near the driver. Making these rosaries became his passion and he gave many away in hopes of encouraging devotion the Mary.

Robert married Nora Beatty while he was in the service; they were devoted to their three children, Sherry, Jack and Gerianne. After Nora's death, he spent his winters in Apache Junction, Ariz.

He left Anaconda in January to be near his son, Jack, in Nevada.

Robert is survived by his children and spouses: Sherry (Jack) Casey of Helena, Jack (Edith) Eklund, Las Vegas, and Gerianne (Chris) Marchion of Anaconda; grandchildren, Stacey Cummings of Helena, Shauna (Paul) Schad of Rochester, Minn., Kevin (Jen) Casey of Seattle, Kelly Casey of Helena, Greg Eklund, Scott (Margaret) Eklund, Tammy Eklund and Jamie (Joe) Abbate, all of Chicago, Tommi (David) Howell of Anaconda, Russ (Melissa) Marchion of Council, Idaho, Christina Marchion of Seattle; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Robert will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nora, his parents, and his 12 brothers and sisters, Melvin, Ebert, Fern, Lillian, Raymond "Budd", Evelyn, Helen, Earl, Elmer, Marjorie "Dixie", Eric and Thor.

Memorials: Shodair Hospital, 2755 Colonial Drive, Helena 59601, or Discovery House, 709 E. Third St., Anaconda, or Holy Family Catholic Church Funeral Luncheon Committee.