Larry Wayne Ekman
Larry Ekman, 66, Newfolden, MN, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2020 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls, MN.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Per CDC guidelines, no more than 10 people will be allowed at a time. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Newfolden.
Larry Wayne Ekman was born on June 12, 1953 in Thief River Falls, MN the son of Virgil Farley and Elaine Carrie (Larson) Ekman. He was baptized on October 4, 1953 and confirmed on June 23, 1968 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN. He attended Marshall County High School.
Larry was united in marriage to Sharon Blinsmon and to this union two children were born, Brenda and Christopher.
Larry worked for an aerial spraying company, Stephen, MN, Steiger Manufacturing, Red Lake Falls, MN and Arctic Cat, Thief River Falls, MN. In 1975, Larry began working at School District 564 in Thief River Falls. Over the next 34 years and 5 months, he was responsible for all aspects of care for the schools in the district including building and grounds maintenance, snow plowing and painting football field lines. Through these years, Larry became known as Maintenance Larry. He established and maintained many wonderful long-term relationships with his coworkers.
On June 29, 2001, Larry was united in marriage to Barbara (Bengtson) Berg at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN. The couple made their home in rural Newfolden where they have continued to reside. They had a happy, fun, loving relationship and could be described as the best years of their lives.
Larry enjoyed annual deer hunting camp with his brothers, fishing, gardening, riding ATV through the woods, watching the Vikings, cutting wood, grooming his lawn and decorating for Christmas. He was very creative, inventive and had a very strong work ethic. Larry was one of a kind, he was known for his one-liners like, “Awe that’s nothing!” Larry dearly loved his wife, children and had a lot of pride in his grandchildren.
Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara of Newfolden; children, Christopher (Amy Johnson) Ekman of Thief River Falls, Brenda (Sean) Griesen of Red Lake Falls, MN; grandchildren, Devin, Landon, Rylei, Logan, Justyse, Jayda, Jaelyn & Jenna; great-grandchildren, Bentley, Nova & Carter; mother, Elaine Ekman of Newfolden; children, Jason (fiancé, Heather) Berg of Newfolden, Jeremie (Barb) Berg of Maple Plain, MN and Jessica (Cody) Moen of Newfolden; grandchildren, Zachary (Nicole), Cole, Riley, Austin (Tiffany), August, Breanna, CeCe, Lache, Carson & Blair; great-granddaughter, Nora; brothers, Mark of Newfolden and Daryl (Jackie) of Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Janet Collins; sister-in-law, Janelle Bengtson; his faithful companions, Rosco, Brutus & Bowser; and many other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Virgil; brother, Glen; and an infant brother; father-in-law, Arnold Bengtson; brother-in-law, Randy Bengtson; and father-in-law, Bob Collins.
Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com