Howard Eklund

A celebration of Howard's life will be held on June 20th at Messiah Lutheran Church, Roseau, MN. at 2pm with visitation an hour prior. Interment at Hope Cemetery in Roseau.

Howard Raymond Eklund was born on March 26, 1927 to John and Hilda Eklund of Nereson Township in Roseau County. He was living at Oak Crest Senior Living and went to his heavenly home on November 16, 2025.

Howard spent his early years farming with his father and in 1950 enlisted in the army. After the military he owned and drove a milk truck for several years before being hired by Farmers Union where he had many jobs, including furnace repair and crop spraying. He designed and built the first hooded sprayer. Howard retired after 35 years but didn't slow down! He did some farming and continued to fix furnaces at the insistence of some of his customers. Community service was important to Howard. He helped maintain the Pioneer Village, and served on the board at Four Seasons Senior Center where he delivered meals, drove people to appointments and helped make lefse. In 2002 he was recognized as Roseau county senior citizen volunteer of the year. Howard served as commander of the American Legion Post 24 in 1966 and a member of the Honor Guard. He was a proud and devoted member of Masonic Lodge #268. He became a Master Mason on March 9, 1966 and a Shriner in 1967. He received the prestigious Hiram award in 2014 and the 50 year recognition in 2016. He remained active as long as he could, even into his 90's. He never met a stranger and valued his friendships. He was a cozy and loving parent and grandparent. He will be missed.

Howard married Marcella Erickson in 1952 while serving in the army and they had 5 children together. He then married Margaret Sabourin on September 27, 1985 and welcomed her four children into his life. They had 35 years together before she passed away in 2016.

He is survived by his children: Harlan Eklund (Sheri) of Bemidji, MN, Cynthia Kracht (Jerry) of Durham, NC, Myrna Linnell (Luke) of Merrill WI, Valerie Palmer (Don) of Aurora CO, Michael Eklund of Roseau, MN, step children: Rick Sabourin (Ginny) of Clear Lake, MN, Jeanne Bleau, Dennis Sabourin (Carolyn), and step son-in-law David Hovda all of Roseau, 21 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters in law Marie Eklund of Roseau, Jeanette Eklund of Alexandria, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents, siblings (John Jr., Betty Mae, Margaret, Norma, Jeanette, Richard), his wife Margaret and step daughter DeAnna Hovda.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Roseau Masonic Lodge #268, Messiah Lutheran Church, American Legion Club Post #24 Honor Guard.

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