Pauline Ekstrom

Pauline Ekstrom, 97, of Brook passed away Sunday, August 18th, in Rensselaer, IN. 

Pauline was born April 9, 1927, at home in Brook, IN to Bill and Violet Whaley. A lifelong resident of Brook, Pauline graduated from Brook High School in 1945. She married Norman Ekstrom February 9, 1951 at Mount Zion. 

Pauline is survived by her children Marilyn Ekstrom, Ed (Lisa) Ekstrom, and Mike Ekstrom, as well as grandchildren Melody Ekstrom and Justin Ekstrom, and her sister Wanda Stanton. 

She was preceded in death by parents Bill and Violet and brothers Phil Whaley and James Whaley, husband Norman Ekstrom, and daughter Anita Ekstrom.

A beautician, Pauline created community from behind the beautician’s chair. As retirement approached, she enjoyed discovering new hobbies like selling (and collecting) Avon and quilting. She intended to stitch a quilt for all four of her children, but, like all best laid plans, only finished one. Pauline showed love for family and friends through food loved by those closest to her like fried chicken, crock pot dressing, cheesy potatoes, Texas sheet cake, carrot cake, snickerdoodles, and Chex Mix.

If in Pauline’s presence you happened to comment something along the lines of “I love ice cream,” Pauline was known to friends and family to be quick to reply “I wish I was ice cream.” But those in Pauline’s life know how loved she was. Pauline’s faith was lived every day. A selfless, optimistic, kind, and giving woman, Pauline was the heart of her family and her unconditional love will continue to live on in and be passed down by those closest to her.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 23rd, from 5-7 pm (CST) at Brook United Methodist Church, Brook, Indiana, with funeral services held Saturday, August 24th at 10 am (CST) at the church with Pastor Matt Baughman and Pastor Evan Guse officiating. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Brook United Methodist Church. 

Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Brook Chapel, 129 E. Main St., Brook, IN 47922. (219) 275-6161. www.kellerfh.com