Frederick Ekstam

ROLLA, Mo. - Frederick Ekstam, of Rolla, Mo., formerly of Champaign, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at the age of 73 following a brief illness.

He was born Sept. 23, 1949, in Champaign to Roy and Margrete (Mitchell) Ekstam. They preceded him in death, as did one niece.

He married Nena Thomas on July 24, 1993, in preparation for their move to Rolla to begin her career at the University of Missouri-Rolla. She survives.

Also surviving are two stepsons, Eric Thomas (spouse Andrea Thomas), and Michael Thomas (spouse Mellanie Collins); three grandsons, Harrison Thomas, Benjamin Thomas and Will Thomas; two sisters, Jacqueline Thompson and Cheryl Sutton; one niece; one nephew; one great-nephew; and one great-niece. 

Fred attended Champaign schools, graduating from Champaign High School in May 1967. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in rhetoric/creative writing from the University of Illinois, followed several years later by a Master of Science in journalism, also from the UI. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in English communications studies from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. 

Harboring a lifelong love for the English language and language arts studies, he began his career teaching English composition at several community colleges before joining the faculty of University of Missouri-Rolla (now renamed Missouri University of Science and Technology) in August 2001. He continued teaching there until retiring from full-time teaching in August 2015, later returning to teach part time until December 2018.

Fred enjoyed life and had many interests, but three in particular best define him.

The first is music. Fred loved rock 'n' roll and became an accomplished singer and guitarist who enjoyed entertaining, especially during his younger years. His love for rock 'n' roll never waned, and his knowledge of the genre was encyclopedic.

Second, Fred embraced vegetable gardening - the preparation of the soil, the planting and the harvesting, filling the house most summers with tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, and cantaloupe.

Third, Fred was fascinated by the science and, equally intriguing, the art of brewing. For Fred, the process of creating a good beer was just as important as the end product itself. In that spirit, he was a founding member of a club for home beermakers, Missouri Association of Serious Homebrewers, or MASH for short. He also served MASH as secretary and later vice president and president.

Fred valued friendship above all else. There will be no services, and In lieu of donations or flowers, he would want anyone who considered him a friend, or spent a few pleasant moments in his company, to get together with other friends and appreciate what friendship has to offer, preferably over a pint or two of good beer!