Vernon (LeRoy) Ekedahl

Vernon (LeRoy) Ekedahl, 91, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, passed away on March 20, 2019 in Brandon, S.D.

LeRoy was born on May 7, 1927 in Chicago. He moved to Malta, Mont., in 1927 where he graduated from Malta High School. After two years of service in the United States Marine Corps he married his sweetheart Doris Marie Miller in 1948.

LeRoy began his career as owner and operator of a bulk oil plant and service station in Malta. He moved on to become a district manager with Husky Oil. In 1962 he was instrumental in the start-up of a charcoal briquette business. That company later become Royal Oak and LeRoy, in his 32 years with them, advanced to the position of Executive Vice President and Director.

LeRoy's business took him and his family across the country – Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Minnesota and Georgia. LeRoy and Doris lived in Atlanta, Georgia for 22 years where he retired. Shortly after retirement LeRoy and Doris moved to Fort Collins, CO. Beloved wife Doris passed away in 2009 and LeRoy later moved to Brandon, S.D., in 2014.

LeRoy was very active in his communities and churches including Vice President of the Montana JC's, American Legion Post Commander, Assistant Boy Scout Leader, Sunday School Teacher, President of several church councils, Board Director for Villa International (Atlanta) and President of his retirement facility resident committee.

LeRoy and Doris loved to travel and made trips to Wimbledon (England), Egypt, and cruises on the Nile, Rhine and Panama Canal. They attended the Kentucky Derby several times as well.

LeRoy is survived by son Andy Ekedahl, and his wife Cindy, of Brandon, S.D.; daughter, Jody Eckes, and her husband Dennis, of Saratoga, Wyo.; two granddaughters: Lindsay (Tim) Woznick and Kelly (Kody) Wheeler; great-grandchildren Liliah and Connor; brother Bob; sister-in-law Pat; and finally, LeRoy's beloved dog Luther. LeRoy is preceded in death by his wife Doris, brother Don and his parents.

A memorial service with family will be held at a later date at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colo. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Larimer Humane Society (3501 E 71st Street, Loveland, CO 80538).