Roger Ekstrand

Roger Ekstrand, of Siren, WI, passed away in the early hours of September 23, 2014 following a three year struggle with Pulmonary Hypertension. His loving and devoted wife, Darlene was at his side. Roger was born in Clear Lake, Iowa on August 17, 1930. He spent his childhood on the family farm near Osceola, WI. He attended Osceola High School and then University of WI River Falls. Roger married Darlene Hopkins in 1951. They had 4 children: Terry (Brad) Wittnebel, Jacky (Dean) Enke, Roger Jr. (Renae), and Kris (Tony Sposato) Kaye. Roger taught high school biology and science in Dawson, MN before returning to Osceola to raise sheep and horses along with various exotic animals on the family farm. Scientist, artisan and avid reader, Roger was a passionate and lifelong student of history, science, nature, economics and current world events. A man of many interests, he was a skilled woodcarver and enjoyed creating and displaying his many works as well as attending carving shows to view the work of others. Roger had many other talents. He enjoyed painting and exploring other artistic mediums including silversmithing and relief and chip carving. An interest in animals was passionately pursued over many years. Roger loved horses, raising Arabians and Norwegian Fjord horses. He and Darlene belonged to several driving clubs where they would enjoy their horses, carriages, and sleighs. Roger also spent many years raising sheep and served in leadership roles at the Spooner Agricultural Research Station. He was awarded the Northwest WI Master Shepherd award in 1981 and the Outstanding Service Award by the Great Lakes Wool Growers Association in 1991. Roger’s sense of adventure and interest in the world around him led him to travel extensively with his loving wife Darlene. They visited Mexico, China, Spain, and Canada as well as most of the United States. The past many years they wintered in Southern Texas, enjoying the warmth as well as the music and culture of the area. Roger played guitar and also enjoyed being part of the “jam sessions” in their Texas community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard and Alma Ekstrand. Roger is survived by his wife, Darlene, one son, three daughters, 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, sister Audrey (Gordon) Nelson, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other family and friends. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a future date. The family requests that you honor Roger according to your faith and tradition. Memorials may be directed to the Mayo Clinic’s Pulmonary Research (https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donate), your local hospice, or the charity of your choice. The clock of time is wound but once, And no man has the power, To tell just when that clock will stop, at late or early hour. Now is the only time you own, So live, love, and toil with a will. Place no faith in tomorrow, For the hands may soon be still. -Roger’s journal entry October 1st, 2012