"As a violinist and General Manager of the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, I only knew Walter since 2005, but in that time I considered him a friend and enjoyed making music with him very much. Walter was still playing regularly in the Quincy Symphony and performed the finale concert with us in April 2009. In addition to being a wonderful musician, he shared his sense of humor and was always positive. We will miss him greatly here at the QSO. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
In loving memory of
Walter Ekle
August 26, 2009
Walter Leonard Ekle, 86, of Hamilton, Illinois, died Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at his home.
Mr Ekle was born January 16, 1923 on a farm ten miles north of Keokuk, Jackson Township, Lee County, Iowa, the son of Walter H. and Marie Schmitt Ekle.
He started studying violin at the age of five. On entering High School he changed to viola in order to form a quartet and studied with Walter Rediger of St. Louis. As a Keokuk, Iowa, high school senior, he played the Sitte Concerto, Viola Solo and won the only number one rating in the National Contest held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On graduation from Keokuk High School, he moved to St. Louis to continue his musical career studying with Walter Rediger, and was appointed to the National Youth and the St. Louis Philharmonic Symphonies and performed two concerts a week. He worked for Bell Telephone for financial support.
In 1942, because of World War II, he enlisted in the United States Army Signal Corps. He was stationed in Greeley, Colorado. Taking his viola along, he also played in the Greeley Symphony. He was then stationed in Craig, Colorado, for Signal Corps training as a radio operator. While there he met Dorothy Thomas and they were married on June 17, 1944. They had three children, Ernie, Lewis, and Kathy. He completed two years at State Teacher's College as a cadet in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He trained at Batista Field, Cuba, as a B-29 Bomber Crew.
After the war, he and his family moved back to the farm in Iowa. He was a licensed electrician, musician, and photographer. He retired as an electrician from Trellex in 1988. He was a charter member of the Quincy Symphony, playing principal viola, also with the Southeast Iowa, Ottumwa, and Oskaloosa Symphonies, also as principal Viola. He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Keokuk and First Presbyterian Church in Ottumwa, Iowa, and was a member of Keokuk Lodge #29 AF & AM and Keokuk Camera Club.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Ekle; a daughter, Kathy (Scott) Kirby of Hamilton, Illinois; two sisters, Rosie Miller of Memphis, Missouri and Janet Ihrig of Camp Point, Illinois; brother, Robert (Marilyn) Ekle of Farmington, Iowa; ten grandchildren, Lt. Col. Steven (Nicci) James of Little Rock, Arkansas, Brandon (Shellie) James of Muskegon, Michigan, Lisa Spees of Clermont, Florida, Jenna (Chad) Happs of Keokuk, Matt Spees of Warsaw, Illinois, Stephanie (Jeff) Lentfer, Angela Ekle, Dr. Jade Ekle, all of Anchorage, Alaska, Michelle (Darryl) Revenew of Canton, Georgia and Chief Lewis Jr. (Amber) Ekle of Hillsboro, New Hampshire; seventeen great grandchildren; and three step grandchildren, Matt, Miranda and Jessica Kirby.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Leroy Ekle; and two sons, Ernie & Lewis Ekle.
Funeral services were Saturday, August 29, 2009, at DeJong's Funeral Home in Keokuk with Rev. John Tyler officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Quincy Symphony Orchestra.
Tributes
"We were so sorry to read of Walt's passing, Dorie. We will always remember with joy the wonderful musical talent he shared with all of us not only as he played in the symphonies, but at First Presbyterian as well. He was a kind and generous man. Our thoughts and prays are with you and your family. With deepest sympathy, Lou and Doug Peterson Bettendorf, Iowa"
"Dorey: Accept our profound and heartfelt sympathy. We will ALWAYS remember Walter as a fine musician, fellow human being and all around great guy to know and socialize with. The parties and social gatherings you had were among the finest, most memorable, if not the best in town. We are both grateful for what Walter and you have done. The loss is shocking and overwhelming and we hope that you can find comfort among your friends. With all good wishes, "Sig" and Joan Sutterlin "
"Our deepest sympathy to all of the family... Walter touch many lives.."
"Dear Dorey, We are so sad to hear of Walter's passing. I was thinking only a couple of days ago about how much I learned from Walter about musical playing. If he ever wanted any of us to play for his services, I would be willing and honored. And if not, I understand that too. I will be seeing you soon. Wendy"