Elizabeth J. Ekland, 85, of Cedar Rapids, went home to be with her heavenly Father on October 31, 2018 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy. Funeral Mass will be Monday, November 5th 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; her two brothers, Jim and John.
She was proceeded 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, Illinois, graduating in 1954 with an RN degree. Bette married Bernie Ekland on August 27, 1955 in Clinton. Bette was co-founder of Seltec Sales Corporation with her husband Bernie in March 1971.[more]
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.