Elizabeth J. Ekland

ELIZABETH J. EKLAND

Cedar Rapids

Elizabeth J. Ekland, 85, of Cedar Rapids, went home to be with her heavenly Father on Oct. 31, 2018, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. Funeral Mass will be Monday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church by the Rev. Christopher Podhajsky. Private Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday at the church. Teahen Funeral Home is serving the family.

Bette is survived by her children, Steven (Mary), David (Julie), Thomas (Terry), Marianne and Katy; 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; and her two brothers, Jim and John.

She was preceeded in death by her husband, Bernie; her parents; and three sisters, Jackie, Marylin and Dolores.

Bette was born in Clinton on June 5, 1933, to Jacob and Viola Timmer. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in Clinton in 1950. Bette attended St. Elizabeth's Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, Ill., graduating in 1954 with an RN degree. Bette married Bernie Ekland on Aug. 27, 1955, in Clinton. Bette was co-founder of Seltec Sales Corporation with her husband Bernie in March 1971.

Bette loved being a mom and a grandmother. Bette was her grandchildren's biggest and most loyal fan in school, music and sports. Bette's biggest impact to her family, friends and those around her was her selfless love, her respect for others and how to live as a person in Christ. She believed in the power of prayer, always adding someone to her "list."

The family would like to thank Dr. Anne Soenen, Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Hospice House for all their love and care during this time.

Instead of flowers and memorials, donations may be directed to Immaculate Conception Church or Xavier High School Foundation in Cedar Rapids.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.