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Obituary
Growing up on the family farm outside of Exeter, Leo attended school and graduated from Exeter High School in 1936. He continued on the family farm until 1947 when he married Dorothy Ann Harre, also of Exeter. After marriage, Leo and Dorothy moved to their own farmstead across the road from his brother Alfred and combined the raising of crops and livestock with the raising of four children. Leo was a proud father to his four kids: Marie (Tim) Nicholas of Central City, Sylvia (Rocky) Ruhl of Wayne, Paul (Jill) Ekeler of Hastings and Glen (Jan) Ekeler of Creston, Iowa. Eight grandchildren came along to join the family: Matt and Angie Nicholas, Regan and Reggie Ruhl, Jason and Danielle Ekeler, and Courtney and Chelsea Ekeler. One great-grandchild, Alizay Gavitt, was the most recent addition. Leo retired from farming in 1984, and he and Dorothy moved into Exeter where they lived in the same house across from the Post Office until his death. During his time on the farm, Leo sold Funk's seed corn and also worked 18 years for the ASCS office in Geneva. Leo was a lifelong member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church of Exeter and never lost his love of farming. Up until the weekend before this death, Leo was still out and about on gravel roads, checking on the progress of the harvest and making sure everything was where it needed to be. Leo enjoyed all sports, but held special loyalty to the Exeter High School teams, the University of Nebraska football and volleyball teams and his beloved New York Yankees. He was also a frequent visitor for morning coffee at the local round table in the Sweetwater Tavern and had been know to play a game of cards or two, provided there wasn't a Nebraska football game or Yankee game on television. Leo was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers: Frank, John, Henry, Joe, August, twin brothers Lewis ("Doc") and William ("Bunk"), Fred and Alfred. he is survived by his wife Dorothy, who recently moved to the Exeter Care Center, and his children and grandchildren. Funeral services were held on November 13th at St. Stephen's Catholic Church in Exeter, with Rev. Tom Kuffel officiating. Pallbearers were Tom Ekeler, Dan Ekeler, Jerome Ekeler, Jason Ekeler, Matthew Nicholas and Reggie Ruhl. Acolyte for the service was Rusty Ruhl and scripture reader was Rick Ruhl. Music was provided by organist Agnes Anderson and vocalist Jessica Ruhl.
Interment in the Exeter Cemetery
followed the service, with Farmer Funeral Home in charge of
arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.
theSentinel
Obituary Dorothy Ann Ekeler, 87, of Exeter was gathered into the arms of her Lord on August 14, 2012, at the Exeter Care Center. Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 18th at the St. Stephens's Catholic Church in Exeter with Fr. Thomas Kuffel celebrating Mass. Rosary was said Friday, August 17th, at 7:30 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter. Dorothy Ann Harre was born on May 16, 1925, at Exeter to Bernard and Marie Harre, first of thirteen children, and graduated from Exeter High School in 1943. Dorothy excelled in girls' athletics in high school, playing on the volleyball and softball teams, and was voted the best female athlete her senior year. She was married to Leo Henry Ekeler on October 8, 1947, and they settled on a small farm northwest of Exeter. While keeping busy managing the household, Dorothy and Leo were blessed with four children: Marie (Mrs. Tim) Nicholas of Central City; Sylvia (Mrs. Rocky) Ruhl of Wayne; Paul (Jill Benorden) of Juniata; and Glen (Jan Cudaback) of Creston, Iowa. Leo farmed with his brother Alfred until he and Dorothy retired from farming and moved to Exeter, where they kept a watchful eye on the Post Office corner. Dorothy was an avid game player, enjoying card games with her family, and was an accomplished quilter, making several wonderful pieces which she donated to fundraising efforts for the church. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years and five brothers, Gerald, Cy, Carryl, Clarence and Steve. Survivors include four sisters, Betty, Bernita, Mary, and Sally; three brothers, Jim, Tom, and Leon; four children; eight grandchildren, Jason, Matthew, Danielle, Regan, Reggie, Courtney, Angela and Chelsea; and two great-grandchildren, Alizay and Nora.
theSentinel |