David Charles Ekstrand

Mr. David Charles Ekstrand, 76, of New London, died Friday, August 26, 2011 at his home. David was born April 18, 1935 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Fred (Ek) and Maude McDonald Ekstrand. On June 17, 1961 he married Virginia Lee Peterson in Westwood, Mt. Pleasant. They left on their honeymoon for Alaska and settled in Anchorage for 6 1/2 years. In 1967, they returned to David's family farm on the Henry/Des Moines County line. They returned to Alaska to celebrate their 46th anniversary. He graduated from Toledo High School in 1953 and the University of Iowa in 1958 with a degree in Journalism. He worked as a printer and typesetter, a carpenter, and farmer. He was of the Presbyterian faith. David was a life time member of Ducks Unlimited and the NRA. He also enjoyed a membership with Pheasants Forever. Some of his favorite past times were spent reloading high powered rifle shells and making custom rifle stocks. He was an avid reader of outdoor and Western books, especially Zane Gray and Louis L'Amour. He also enjoyed raising hogs, hunting and fishing. He was also a sports fan. His favorite teams were the Iowa Hawkeyes, Pittsburg Steelers, and St. Louis Cardinals. On January 15...[more]

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969, he was awarded the Carnegie Hero Fund medal for saving his neighbor, Loren Reif's life. Mr. Ekstrand is survived by his wife of New London; one son, Eric (Michelle) Ekstrand of Grimes; two daughters, Gisela (Kent) Wilson of Danville, and Heather (Terry) LeDoux of Tipton; thirteen grandchildren; one sister, Doris Hutton of Canton, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, one daughter and one son. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 31, at Elliott Chapel, New London. Pastor Ed Bunt will officiate. According to his wishes his body has been cremated and burial will be at a later date. Visitation will begin after 9:00 AM Wednesday at the Chapel, with the family greeting friends from 11:00 to 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the New London Fire and Rescue, the Danville Fire and Rescue, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever.