Eleanor Gina Mae Ekern

Eleanor Gina Mae Ekern, 94 of Coon Valley, died Monday July 29, 2024 at Benedictine Manor in La Crosse. She was born May 12, 1930 to Elmer and Lenora (Tomtengen) Leum on the family farm on Lovaas Ridge. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Westby. She graduated from Westby High School in 1948. Eleanor married her high school sweetheart, Gordon Ekern at “high noon” on January 25, 1950. The couple moved to Rockford, IL in 1950 where they resided for almost 40 years.

 Eleanor worked for 10 years at Amerock Corporation to help fund her children’s college education. She became a league bowler and an avid golfer, winning various awards. 

She and Gordon spent 7 years in Singapore for his job with Sundstrand Aviation. In 1990, after a 40-year career, they moved back to the U.S. During their time in Singapore, they vacationed and traveled around the world several times. Each year, many friends and relatives took turns visiting them. Eleanor developed a love of photography at that time. It became a passion for her, along with world travel. During this time frame they also purchased Gordon’s family farm in Dodson Hollow, near Chaseburg. While living in Dodson Hollow, her interests grew towards gardening. She made many lifelong friends with her memberships in the Garden Club and the Chaseburg Lioness Club. She loved Christmas season and was proud of her Santa Claus collection, displaying them all year long. They then built their dream house. The original house was built in the 1860’s before being added on to. It is a “svelgangstue” style which is quite common in Norway. It was donated to Norskedalen in 1991 and serves as the Visitor Center at Thrunegaarden in Coon Valley. In 2006, Eleanor moved to Coon Valley from the farm to continue her passions. 

 She is survived by 2 children; Gale Ekern of Rock City, Illinois and Gina Ekern of Longmont, Colorado; four grandchildren, Jordan Ekern (Brian) of Safety Harbor, FL, Morgan Ekern of Minneapolis, Garrett Ekern of Minneapolis and Gillian Burling of Minneapolis; 3 great grandchildren, Grace Ekern-Bonistalli, Emilia Ekern-Bonistalli and August Burling. 

 She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; son, Glen; her parents and 9 siblings, numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. 

 Family was important to her embracing their Norwegian heritage in life and death. She will forever be known as the one who turned off the lights… to a generation. 

 We would like to thank the Coon Valley First Responders, Benedictine Manor and Gundersen Hospice for providing her comfort and safety in her later years. 

 Enir loved a good party, so please join us on Wednesday August 7, 2024 at Middle Coon Valley Lutheran Church for a Memorial Service at 12 p.m. (High Noon) with a visitation from 11 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the church cemetery with a lunch to follow. Memorials may be given to the Middle Coon Valley Lutheran Church, Westby Area Historical Society or the charity of your choice. The Seland Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com.