Marian Gladys Ecklund

Marian Gladys Ecklund, age 85, died on October 28, 2024, surrounded by her family. Hallmarks of her life included her love of Christ, her passion for nursing, her gifts of storytelling and song, and her investment in the lives of family and friends.
Marian was born to Kermit R. and Gladys V. M. Holmgren in Pennock, MN on October 7, 1939. She was a 1957 graduate of Willmar High School in Willmar, MN, attended Swedish Covenant Hospital School of Nursing (now North Park) and then the University of Minnesota, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (1963) and a Master of Education (1964).
Marian married Stanley D. Ecklund on August 29, 1964, to whom she was married for 60 years. They have three children, Karl Matthew Ecklund, Kreig Timothy Ecklund, and Kier Jonathan Ecklund. They initially moved to Pasadena, CA, where Marian taught nursing at Pasadena City College. Their next home was in Wheaton, IL, where Marian taught nursing at the College of DuPage, near Chicago. For the past 45 years, Marian and Stan lived in California, first in Cupertino, (39 years), and then at The Villages in San Jose (6 years). She volunteered with the Lupus Foundation of America and worked in Geriatric nursing care, at the Santa Clara Senior Center (12 years) and as Director of Patient Care Services at Mid-Peninsula Continuous Care Home Health (5 years), before retiring in 2000.
Marian's life was centered on her Christian faith. She grew up attending Salem Covenant Church in Pennock, MN and attended various Covenant churches throughout her life. For the past 45 years, she has been a member of Foothill Covenant Church where she led Bible studies, taught Sunday School, served as a leader, sang in the choir, and gave occasional sermons. Marian found joy in singing and over her life sang in many choral groups and trios, even traveling for a year with Covenant Youth Caravan (1961-62). She loved nothing more than sharing time with family and friends. Those who are closest to her will deeply miss her wonderful gift of storytelling.
Marian was pre-deceased by Kermit and Gladys Holmgren (her parents), Arlene C. Syverson (older sister), Orrian Syverson (brother-in-law) and Pearl Holmgren (stepmother). She is survived by her loving husband, Stan, three sons and daughters-in-law, Karl (Elaine), Kreig (Karen), Kier (Hung), six grandchildren (Kaitlyn, Kaleb, Keyara, Sonia, Anika, and Erich), Kent Syverson (nephew), Dawn Capp (niece), and many close friends, all of whom feel her loss profoundly.
A celebration of life will be held at Foothill Covenant Church, 1555 Oak Ave, Los Altos, CA on January 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM.
Instead of flowers, the family requests that gifts in memory of Marian be sent to Keyara's Gift, an educational non-profit named after her granddaughter and championed by Marian for its lasting impact in Liberia (https://www.keyarasgift.org/marianmemorial). Please write "in memory of Marian Ecklund" in the check memo, or the "notes" if giving online.