Fredrick Charles Ekeler
High School Graduation
Exeter, Nebraska
1970
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Fredrick Charles Ekeler, son of Fred J. and Frances Jean (Hourigan) Ekeler, was born on October 25, 1951 and died February 8, 1985, at the age of 33 years, at Presbyterian University Hospital in Pittsburg after undergoing a liver transplant. Fred attended St. Stephens's School and graduated from Exeter High School, a member of the class of 1970. He received a Bachelor's of Science in Education from the University of Nebraska in 1975. Fred served as a teacher and coach at Benedict Consolidated Schools from 1975-1977. In 1977 Fred began a career in the field of insurance, accepting employment with Metropolitan Life of Lincoln, as a consultant, and later with General Casualty of Lincoln and Employers Mutual of Omaha as a commercial underwriter. From 1980-1984, Fred served as vice-president and president of "Nebraska Fire and Casualty Underwriters Association" and in 1983-1984 became a continuing education instruction for "The Professional Insurance Agents of Nebraska." On July 30, 1977, Fred was united in marriage to Kathryn Anne Smisek, daughter of William and Helen (Travnicek) Smisek of Omaha. The ceremony was held at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church in Omaha. Fred was preceded in death by his grandparents Charles and Mary (Murphy) Hourigan and Frank and Anna (Barkmeier) Ekeler, and his father Fred J. Ekeler. Survivors include his wife, Kathy of Omaha, his mother, Frances Jean Ekeler and brother, Jerome, both of Exeter and a sister, Marguerite of Hebron. Funeral
services were conducted at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Exeter, on
Wednesday, February 13, 1985 with Monsignor H. H. Ingenhorst
officiating. Mrs. Henrietta Harre accompanied Robert O. Rhodes who sang
"How Great Thow Art" and "The Lord's Prayer." A favorite prayer of Fred
and Kathy. "The Memorare" was read by Ray Galas, a friend. Pallbearers
were Jim Fees, John Tauriella, Ray Galas, Gene Ruhl, Mike Herring,
Thomas McCusker. Honorary pallbearers was Terry Connelly. Internment was
in Exeter Cemetery.
Card of Thanks We wish to thank everyone who remembered all of us with prayers, cards, letters, Mass offerings, memorials, flowers and food during Fred's illness and after his death. A special thank you to all the ladies of St. Stephen's Altar Society for a beautifully prepared meal following the funeral. The sympathy and understanding of wonderful relatives and friends have helped us so much to lighten the burden of our sorrow. No words can fully express our appreciation. May God bless you abundantly for you kind support. Kathy Ekeler
Fillmore County News
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