C. Richard Ekstrand

C. RICHARD EKSTRAND

Cedar Rapids

C. Richard Ekstrand, 93, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, at Northbrook Manor Care in Cedar Rapids.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories in Cedar Rapids, with Certified Celebrant Dr. James Coyle officiating. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for C. Richard Ekstrand, under the video tab starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14. Entombment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids.

Dick was born on Aug. 22, 1927, in Galesburg, Ill., the son of Clarence and Ruth (Hale) Ekstrand. His early years were spent in Oneida, Ill., and the family later moved to Iowa. Dick graduated from high school in DeWitt, and later graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, after serving in the U.S. Navy. He was a proud veteran of World War II and later served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for over 20 years. Dick was united in marriage to Doris Jean Heitland on Sept. 6, 1951, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He worked for United Life Insurance as director of underwriting. Dick was very involved as a member of Christ Church Presbyterian. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, camping and, most of all, eating. He loved the time he spent with his family.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Doris of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Janet (Clancy) Herrington of Cedar Rapids; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Roland Tullberg of Maryville, Mo.; and sister-in-law, Carol Maxwell of Sunland City, Ariz.

Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Burr Ekstrand; and sister, Joan Tullberg.

Memorials may be directed to Christ Church Presbyterian or the Hiawatha American Legion.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.