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Art Eklund • 1920- 2011 Arthur Anthony Eklund was born February 15, 1920, a son of Frank and Kjerstine (Mickelsen) Eklund, on the Eklund family farm located in Kandiyohi Township of Burke County, ND. He was raised on the family farm and educated in the area. As a young adult, he assisted his parents and siblings with the operation of the family farm. Art married Arlene J. Swenson November 13, 1945. They made their home on the Eklund homestead until 1957, when they moved to the Coteau, ND, area, where he worked for Harry Haroldson. In 1961, they moved to a farm located in Bowbells Township, of Burke County, east of Bowbells. They farmed small grains and raised cattle. He retired from farming at age 82, had kept his cattle until age 83. Art was a man of many talents and had a passion for music. At age 12, he started playing in a family band with his sister and brothers. Neither one of them ever took lessons, but taught themselves to play several instruments. He played banjo, saxophone, clarinet, and tried many others. The Eklund family band played for over 60 years under the names of Harlan’s Band, Eklund Brothers Band, Blue Notes, and the Rhythm Skyliners, playing for dances as far away as Montana. He enjoyed visiting and playing cards with his family and many friends. He also enjoyed playing Bingo, fishing when he had the time, and had participated on a league bowling team. He would always lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Surviving family includes: wife of 65 years, Arlene, Crosby; children, Waine Eklund, Burlington, Juli (Darrell) Brenno, Columbus, and Dan (Amy) Eklund, Columbus; grandchildren, Kim (Matt) Henke, and Kevin (Jamie) Eklund; Tamrin (Shane) Fagerland, Jason Brenno, and Shayla (Greg) Ryberg; and Shanon (Kevin) Fairchild, Sherry Eklund and her companion, Patrick, and Samantha (Gerry) Boysen; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Officiant: Pastor Kathy Hammond Music Congregational Hymns Honorary BearersArt’s granddaughters, granddaughter-in-law, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren. Active Bearers: Jim Swenson, Ronald Eklund, Jerome Swenson, Shane Fagerland, Kevin Eklund, Jason Brenno, Greg Ryberg Immediately following the funeral service, please join the family
for a time of fellowship and refreshments in the fellowship hall. Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time. May God bless the memory of Arthur.
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Art Eklund, 91, Bowbells, ND, died Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Crosby.