Herbert Duane Ekstrom

Herbert Ekstrom passed away on July 2, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. Herb was born on April 16, 1936 in Dickinson, North Dakota to Roy and Florence Ekstrom. The family lived in Texas and Minnesota before returning to Dickinson. Herb graduated from Dickinson High School in 1954. He attended the University of Montana, and graduated in 1958 with a BA in Education and in 1964 with a M.ED. Herb cheered for the University of Montana Grizzlies and participated in alumni events. He would later complete post-graduate work at the University of Oregon, and remained an avid Duck fan as well. He began his 32½-year career in Spray, OR and later taught in Kinzua, OR. Herb came to Bend in 1963 and worked as an elementary principal until his retirement in 1991. In his 27 years of service to the Bend LaPine School District, he was an elementary principal at Juniper, Kenwood, Kingston, Marshall, Reid-Thompson, Thompson, and Young. He received a Title 1 Scholarship at Northwestern University, which inspired him to implement the first Title 1 Program and Junior Primary Program in the Bend LaPine Schools. In 1988 Herb was honored with the National Distinguished Principal Award, and was invited to represent the State of Oregon in Washington D.C.. Herb enjoyed working with students, staff and parents throughout his career. He formed lasting friendships with many of his colleagues. He was also an active member of Phi Delta Kappa for 57 years. While working at Juniper Elementary, Herb met his wife, Lynne. They were married in Boise, ID on December 22, 1978. They cherished the life they built together and appreciated each other’s commitment to being partners in life. Herb enjoyed fishing, boating, traveling, walking, hunting and attending musical productions. After retiring, he spent quality time laughing and sharing stories with his coffee friends. One of his greatest accomplishments was building a cabin in Montana on Flathead Lake. Summers at the lake with family and friends were special times. Herb fulfilled one of his life-long dreams when he spent his 80th birthday with his son, Erik, in Peru exploring Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roy; and father-in-law, Emil. Herb is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lynne; sons, Erik and Brent (Michelle); daughter, Kari (Dan); four grandchildren, Drew, Brandon, Evan, and Ashley; one great-grandchild, Cally; sister-in-law, Mona; mother-in-law, Shirley; and brother-in-law, Jim. The family would like to express their appreciation to Partners In Care Hospice and especially to Nora Johnson at Shoshone Lodge. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Herb Ekstrom Education Scholarship. This scholarship is designed for high school graduates who are pursuing a career in education. Scholarship contributions can be made at www.gofundme.com/HDEducationScholarship or by mailing a check made out to the Herb Ekstrom Education Scholarship at the MidOregon Credit Union, PO Box 6749 Bend, Oregon 97708-6749. This scholarship is an official donation account registered in the state of Oregon and with the IRS. A memorial service will be held at Deschutes Memorial Chapel & Gardens (63875 N Hwy 97) on July 14 at 11:00am.