Patricia Ekdahl

1939 - 2024

Patricia "Pat" Ekdahl March 30, 1939-February 10, 2024 It is with a host of emotions that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Patricia (Pat) Josephine Ekdahl, at age 84. Sadness, as she will be deeply missed, blessings for every moment that we spent with her, and gratitude that she is now at peace, wrapped in the arms of a loving God. Pat passed away peacefully on February 10th, 2024, in the presence of her three daughters after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Pat was born on March 30, 1939, in Scottsbluff, NE. to Arthur and Evelyn (Ehn) Eckdahl. She graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1957 and became a diploma nurse. As a Scottsbluff resident, she worked at Western Nebraska General Hospital for several years. (Currently Regional West Medical Center). She was the Director of Nursing and then expanded her career, earning a master's degree in nursing administration from the University of Colorado, Denver CO. She then worked as a hospital administrator for numerous years in areas such as Marshfield WI, Green Bay WI, St Louis MO, Roanoke VA, Nashville TN, Fort Myers FL, Louisville and Lexington KY, and Russell Springs KY where she retired from hospital administration and returned to Ft Myers FL where she resided until the time of her death. Pat was eager to share the joy she received in her work as an RN, with over 64 years in the field. She held a part time position at Shell Point Retirement Community in Ft Myers until June 2023 while continuing to undergo cancer treatment. Initially, she was a Hospice Nurse and later worked as an MDS Coordinator at Shell Point where she had worked for the past 16 years until the time of her health decline. Pat also adored Nebraska Cornhusker football as well as the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. She loved talking about each season's promising recruits and coaching strategies with her grandsons and son-in-law. She also had a passion for music and was a member of the symphony choirs in both St. Louis MO, and Ft. Myers FL. She found joy in singing and being a part of these musical communities, which added to the richness of her life. She enjoyed time spent with her "condo" friends during the time she resided in The Club at Crystal Lake. Her other favorite activities were exercising in the pool, taking walks around the pond, and sitting on the "Turtle Bench" watching the turtles and other wildlife. Pat loved playing cards, dominos and bingo with her friends and family. Pat had a heart for service and was a Eucharistic Ministry volunteer for over 8 years, bringing communion to patients at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Ft Myers. She also donated blood for many years through various organizations. Her last act of service was to participate in a research study for the cancer treatment she was receiving until the time of her decline. What mattered the most to her was that she was helping others through her own journey. She could not begin to articulate the gratitude she felt for the research team and medical staff at The Cancer Treatment Center in Ft Myers, as well as all the doctors and staff who were part of her care for the past 17 months. The same holds true for the wonderful staff at Hope Hospice. The care and compassion during her final days was extraordinary. Pat is survived by daughters Toni Sleeger (husband Pete Luedke) of Jackson WI, Jodi Sleeger of Ft Myers FL, Lori Bocock of Ft Myers FL, sister Jana Ekdahl of Seattle WA and sister-in-law, Mary Ekdahl of Westminster CO. Grandchildren, Brandon Luedke (Maddy Devine) of Milwaukee WI, Christopher Hall (wife Amanda Hall) of Chelmsford MA, True Hall of Beavercreek OH, Whitney Stump (husband Lewis Stump) of Roanoke VA, Skylar Bocock (Jamie Witt) of Roanoke VA, and Kaci Bocock of Roanoke VA. Great-grandchildren include Millie Luedke, Kolby Sleeger and Peyton Stump, Charlie Hall and a set of twins expected in May of 2024 from the Hall family. Additionally, "Aunt Pat" is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families, as well as several cousins whom she visited the summer of 2022 in Grand Island NE. Pat will be dearly missed by numerous former co-workers and close friends who have been like family to her. Pat was preceded in death by both her parents, Arthur F and Evelyn J Eckdahl (Ehn), her three brothers, Dolan Eckdahl, Ronald (Ron) Eckdahl and Denny Eckdahl and many other loved relatives. A memorial service and Mass will be held at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Ft Myers FL, April 20th 2024 at 10:00am, with a Life Celebration Reception to follow. A private family ceremony will be held with the Neptune Society of Fort Lauderdale to place her ashes into a coral reef system near Biscayne Bay, FL. This private ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and/or gifts, memorials have been established with Hope Hospice of Ft Myers FL and The Cancer Treatment Center of Florida, Ft Myers FL. Cards may be sent to: The Family of Pat Ekdahl Lori Bocock, 14534 Cypress Trace Ct. Fort Myers, FL 33919; HOPE HOSPICE - Morehope.org; FLORIDA CANCER CENTER & RESEARCH, Audrey Allen, 8260 Gladiolus Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33908.