Obituary of Marilyn Joy Ekstrom

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Marilyn Joy Ekstrom on 2 February 2022 at the age of 88. Marilyn was a long-time resident of Roseville, MN.

Marilyn (born Marilyn Joy Miller) was born 30 July 1933 in Bismarck, ND. Marilyn was the second of two children born to Ruth (Anderson) and E. H. Miller. She grew up in Bismarck, ND, graduating from Bismarck High School in 1951. While in high school she was in the band, and she worked for the state highway department. Her older brother, Al, was very athletic and she enjoyed playing sports as much as she could.

After graduation she worked for one year for the selective service and was employed as a financial assistant. In the fall of 1952, she attended Gustavus Adolphus, Saint Peter, MN. After her first year she went on a school trip to Europe for 3 ½ months. They traveled there by ship and travelled around by train and bus. It was a big trip and something she talked about for the rest of her life.

When she returned, she transferred to the University of Minnesota, where she graduated with a degree in social work in 1956. While she was in college, she joined Alpha Omega Pi sorority. After graduation Marilyn worked for one year at Campbell Methun typing up ads for companies such as Pillsbury and NSP. She spent the next year on the road as a consultant with the dental company, Professional Budget out of Wisconsin. She then returned to Bismarck, North Dakota and worked in social work. After another year she returned to the Minneapolis area and worked in the Social Security department as an adjudicator until she was married.

Marilyn met her future husband, Sheldon Lee Ekstrom, at a sorority/fraternity exchange in college. They dated for a while and then went their separate ways. Then in 1958 Sheldon was returning from the Army and his own adventures overseas, when he decided to reconnect with Marilyn. He looked her up and they started dating. They were married 26 June 1960 in Bismarck, ND, and moved to Atlanta, GA.

Right after marriage they moved to Atlanta, GA for Sheldon’s job. Marilyn tried working for a while, but it was a different environment than she was used to in Minnesota and North Dakota, so that job did not last. After Atlanta, GA, they moved to St Louis, MO, Chicago, IL, Moorhead, MN, Moundsview, MN and finally Roseville, MN where they lived in their home for 53 years.

Marilyn took tax preparation courses in 1968 and worked for many years at H & R Block. She also found time to volunteer at Ramsey (now Regions) Hospital. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with family, friends, visiting the casinos, and reading.

Marilyn and Sheldon had three sons: Todd Sheldon (born in St Louis), Derek Rick (born in Chicago), and Kent Ritchard (born in St Paul, MN). The family took many family trips in the family car and traveled to different locations all over the country. She loved her family and fondly spoke of playing catch with her sons in the yard. Through the years she welcomed the arrival of 6 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

She is survived by 3 sons and daughter-in-laws: Todd Ekstrom (Dawn Duerre), Derek Ekstrom (Stephanie), and Kent Ekstrom (Pam); 6 grandchildren: Haley (Josh) Thill, Ashley (Jake) Lochen, Tara Duerre-Ekstrom, Connor Duerre-Ekstrom, Spencer Ekstrom, and Madyson Ekstrom; and 2 great grandchildren: Waylon and Evelyn. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sheldon Lee Ekstrom, her parents: Ruth and E.H. Miller; one brother, Al Miller; and one brother-in-law and his wife: Jean and Don Ekstrom.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations in remembrance be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Services for Marilyn will be held, Saturday, Feb 19th from 1-3 pm at the MN Cremation Society, St Paul, MN. Visitation will be from 1-2 pm, with a memorial Service at 2pm. Following the service, guests are welcome to stay to visit further and enjoy dessert and beverages.