Arthur Roy Ekstrom, 81, of Frewsburg, New York, took his last breath on Earth on Sunday, July 18, at UPMC Hamot.
He was born in Maple Plain, Minnesota, on Jan. 27, 1940, to Joseph and Minnie Ekstrom. One of 11 children, Art and his family moved to the family farm on the Peterson Road in Frewsburg in 1948.
A graduate of Frewsburg Central School, Art served his country in the U.S. Army and was especially proud of his participation in the launch of the first synchronous orbiting satellite. After working briefly in Arizona and being stationed in Paso Robles, California, Art returned to Frewsburg, where he spent most of his career working for Vac Air Alloys, serving as a vice president in titanium sales. His travel in the military and with Vac Air sparked a lifelong interest in geography, history, science and politics, which he loved to discuss with friends and strangers alike.
A generous soul, he and Kathy hosted many family celebrations at their home of many years. Inspired by others who had forged their own path, he became a trusted mentor to many.
He loved to garden, sharing his beautiful flower arrangements and growing tips throughout the community. In his retirement, he loved nothing more than spending time with his family and taking daily walks, with multiple stops, around his beloved Frewsburg.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Frewsburg American Legion and the Jaycees.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, also of Frewsburg; his sons, Matthew and Scott, both of Jamestown; his daughter Karen (Geoff) Sherman, of Indianapolis; his grandchildren Skylar and Hunter Ekstrom and Victor Sherman; his sisters and brothers, Elvera Classon, Ardell North, George Ekstrom, Frances Babyak, Emerson Ekstrom and RoseMary Carvella; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and his AFS daughter, Norie Othman of Malaysia. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Leonard, John, Myron and Kerm, and many other loved ones.
Family received friends at the Peterson Funeral Home in Frewsburg on July 21. A celebration of life was held on July 22 at Zion Lutheran Church in Frewsburg with Pastor Phil Roushey officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
