Robert “Gregg” Eklund

Robert "Gregg" Eklund, age 89, died March 18, 2024, in Portland, OR.

Memorial services are 10:00 AM Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Genoa, NE. Interment will take place in the Osceola Cemetery in Osceola, NE.

Robert Gregg Eklund (Gregg) was born on March 13, 1935, in Osceola, Nebraska, where his roots ran deepest, and he remained deeply connected to his hometown throughout his life. The son of Dr. and Mrs. Harley Sven Eklund, Gregg grew up in Osceola, spending his summers in Lake of the Woods, Canada, where he fostered his love for the outdoors. He was an accomplished athlete, earning recognition as a three-sport high school letterman and all-state football player with an enthusiasm for sports throughout his life.

After graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1959, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and became a life-long supporter of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Gregg embarked on various adventures. He spent a memorable season in Aspen, Colorado, working at Toklat Wilderness Lodge while skiing every moment possible.

In 1960, Gregg married Barbara Fitzpatrick Eklund, with whom he shared a beautiful life and raised three children: Robert, Catherine, and Bridget. His commitment to his family was unwavering, even as he entered military service with the US Army Special Forces. As a Green Beret, Gregg served his country with valor, undertaking tours of duty in throughout the United States, Korea, Germany, and finally in Vietnam, where he commanded Charlie Company in field combat. His bravery and sacrifice were recognized with the Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal. After sustaining catastrophic injuries in December 1967, Gregg underwent a lengthy rehabilitation at Fort Ord, California. During this time, he pursued further education, earning his Master's in Public Administration from the Naval Post Graduate School.

Upon retiring from military service as a Major, Gregg settled his family in Salinas, California, embarking on a career in public service with the County of Monterey. He dedicated himself to various community organizations, including the YMCA, Monterey Hospice Foundation, Youth Science Center, the California International Air Show Board and, as President of the Salinas Rotary, leaving an indelible mark of service wherever he went. Gregg also enjoyed memberships in a number of social organizations including the Salinas Golf and Country Club, E Clampus Vitus, and the York County Country Club.

In 1984 his wife Barbara was diagnosed with cancer and Gregg devoted their remaining years together as her caregiver supporting her through several episodes of the disease's aggressive emergence and treatment. In 1999 Barbara's cancer had critically progressed and Gregg sold their home in Salinas, bought a travel coach and began a year long road trip throughout the United States and Canada eventually settling in Green Valley, Arizona.

In 2007 Barbara's care requirements escalated and they moved to San Francisco for family support. Barbara passed away two months later, and Gregg spent the next 12 years as part of Robb and Shelby's family with frequent trips to Oregon and Nebraska. In 2012 Gregg bought a
home in Black Butte Ranch near Sisters Oregon facilitating more time with Kay and Marty's family in Portland.

In 2014 Gregg's world blossomed again when paths crossed with high school acquaintance Roberta Sohrweid. Gregg and Bertie spent the next ten years enjoying life in their homes in Portland, Black Butte and Nebraska.

Gregg's legacy of love, service and resilience will always be remembered by his son Robert (Shelby) Eklund, Jr., Catherine (Martin) Zerr, Bridget (Eric) Carlson, his partner Bertie, his eight grandchildren, brother's-in-law Lloyd Hoffman and Pat Fitzpatrick and numerous nieces,
nephews and friends who will miss his company and wit.

He is preceded in death by:
his daughter Mary Sue in infancy, his parents Harley and Mary, his wife Barbara, his sister Joann Hoffman, and nephew Tripp Hoffman.