Ephraim Bekele

Ephraim Bekele, our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was called to be with the Lord while sleeping in his home on the morning of November 14, 2023, at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife Aster Teklu, his daughter Saron Ephraim, his son Naod Ephraim, and his grandson Jemaré Williams.

Ephraim was born in Assela, Ethiopia on April 4, 1952, to his parents Sergeant Bekele Lola and Mrs. Asselefech Kassa. He was raised in Shashemene, Ethiopia with his six siblings and extended family members. As a child, Ephraim developed a deep desire for learning, and after completing his elementary and middle school education at Atse Naod School, he left to Nazret, Ethiopia to attend Atse Gelawdiwos Comprehensive Secondary School, where Ephraim graduated with honors in 1971. He started college at Addis Ababa University in 1971, but due to the political turmoil caused by the deposition of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974, Ephraim left college and became involved in the Student Movement. He was passionate about making a positive change for Ethiopia and serving those who were marginalized.

A few years later, Ephraim returned to his schooling by attending summer courses to earn his AA degree while simultaneously working as a teacher. In 1983, while teaching in Goba, Ephraim met the love of his life Aster Teklu, and they were married a few years later in Addis Ababa on May 2, 1987. They welcomed their first child, Saron, in 1988. In 1990, Ephraim completed his Bachelors of Science degree in Physics from Addis Ababa University. A year later, Ephraim and Aster welcomed their second child, Naod. Ephraim worked as a physics teacher at various high schools in Addis Ababa and left an indelible mark on the numerous students who had the privilege of having him as their teacher. He also served as the President of the Central Council of the Ethiopian Teachers Association from June of 1992 until he immigrated with his family to San Jose, CA in July of 1995.

Ephraim began his second career in the chemical chromatography field as a Chemical Waste Custodian at Dionex Corporation in 1996, and he worked his way up to the position of Instrument Production Supervisor at Thermo Fisher Scientific (formerly Dionex Corporation) and retired in September of 2019. Ephraim became a born-again Christian shortly after arriving in San Jose and was baptized with his wife Aster in February of 1996. He was a strong man of faith and was heavily involved in church activities with Medhanealem Church of San Jose. He was passionate about in missionary endeavors and was a founding member of the Horn of Africa Evangelical Mission Organization. Ephraim was a lifelong learner and enjoyed reading books on various topics ranging from religion, politics, and science. He enjoyed going to church, watching films, sports, and spending quality time with his family. He will be missed by many.

Funeral Services will be held at:

The Home Church

Address 1711 S. Winchester Boulevard

Campbell, CA 95008

on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 10:00 am

Telephone number 408-370-1500

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.willowglenfuneralhome.com for the Bekele family.