Obituary
Alfred Raphael Ekeler



Alfred R. Ekler was born to Frank Ekeler Sr. and Anna (Barkmeier) Ekeler on January 11, 1922, at Exeter, Nebraska and passed away April 27, 1986, at home in Exeter, at the age of 64 years, 3 months and 16 days. He was one of ten children in the family.

He attended St. Stephen's Catholic School and graduated from Exeter High School in 1940.

He was engaged in farming in the Exeter community until 1979. He worked at Scott-Hourigan Company in York until July of 1985, at which time he retired.

Alfred or "Al" as he was known, married Barbara Sokol of Duncan on November 3, 1951 and to them four children were born. He was a devoted family man and a lifelong member of St. Stephens's Catholic Church.

He served the Exeter Breeders and Feeders Association as Secretary-Treasurer in 1970 and President in 1972. He also served on the Board of Directors.

Al was a seed corn dealer for five years and on the Fillmore County Extension Board for three years.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Anna Ekeler, brothers, Monsignor John Ekeler, Frank Ekeler, Fred Ekeler, Joseph Ekeler and August Ekeler.

He was survived by his wife, Barbara Ekeler of Exeter, daughter, Mrs. Gene (Connie) Thomsen of Lincoln, son Dan Ekeler of York, daughters, Mrs. Allen (Eileen) Fangmeyer of York and Mrs. Terry (Francine) Johnson of Wahoo, brothers; Leo Ekeler, William Ekeler and Henry Ekeler, all of Exeter and Dr. L.J. Ekeler of Lincoln; and by four grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted from St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Exeter, on Wednesday, April 30, with Monsignor H. H. Ingenhorst officiating.

Henrietta Harre accompanied Robert Rhodes who sang "How Great Thou Art' and "The Lord's Prayer."

Pallbearers were Paul Ekeler, Jerome Ekeler, John Zagozda, Wilfrid Ekeler, Kenneth Ekeler and Thomas Ekeler.

Internment was in the Exeter Cemetery with Farmer & Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

 

Card of Thanks

Perhaps you sent a
  lovely card,
Or sat quietly in a chair.
Perhaps you sent a
  funeral spray,
If so we saw it there.
Perhaps you spoke the
   kindest words,
As any friend could say.
Perhaps you were not
   there at all,
Just thought of us that day.
Whatever you did
   to console our hearts,
We thank you so much
   whatever the part.

     By the family of
       Alfred Ekeler

 

Fillmore County News
Exeter, Nebraska
May 15, 1986

 

 


 

 

Obituary
Barbara Jean Ekeler



Barbara J. Ekeler, formerly of Friend, Nebraska, passed away Friday, November 2, 2018 at the Lancaster Manor in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the age of 87 years, 10 months and 25 days. She was born December 7, 1930, in Duncan, Nebraska to Bernard and Louise (Marsolek) Sokal. Barbara attended grade school and high school in Duncan, later furthering her education at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, completing the requirements for becoming a Registered Nurse in 1951. Barbara married Alfred Ekeler on November 3, 1951 in Duncan and to this union four children, Connie, Dan, Eileen and Francine, were born.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Barb was employed at Warren Memorial Hospital in Friend, Nebraska, caring for patients for 31 years. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and the Altar Society in Friend, serving her church in many capacities. She was also a member of the St. Elizabeth Alumni Association and former member of the Friend Grange.

Barb especially loved following the activities of her children and grandchildren, and attending their sporting activities. She also enjoyed traveling with family and friends to various places in the United States.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and Gene Thomsen, Lincoln, Eileen and Allen Fangmeyer, York, Fran and Terry Johnson, Lincoln; son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Kathy Ekeler, Fairmont; nine grandchildren, Jennifer Thomsen, Jason (Laura) Thomsen, Zack, Trevor and Amber Johnson, David (Katie) Fangmeyer, Sarah Fangmeyer and fiancé, Caitlin Peterson, Heather Ekeler and fiancé, Kyle Naber, Andrew (Alissa) Schick; six great grandchildren, Avery, Brooke, Haley and Blake Thomsen, Addison Ekeler, Draden Fangmeyer, and one more (Samuel) soon to be born in November; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joann and Delmar Kosch, Columbus, Marie and John Brentzel, Boxboro, MA; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alfred; granddaughter, Ashley Johnson; great-grandson, Aydan Naber; sister and brother-in-law, Harriet and Casey Zagozda; brother and sister-in-law, John "Jack" and Angie Sokol.

Visitations were held Monday, November 5, 1:00-9:00 pm at the Lauber-Moore Funeral Home in Friend, Nebraska and one hour prior to Mass on Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A rosary was held at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Lauber-Moore Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Monsignor Adrian Herbek officiating. Following the Mass, a funeral luncheon was held at the Parish Hall with burial at 2:30 pm at the Exeter Cemetery in Exeter, Nebraska.


 

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