Saxy Bob he called himself to me. A kind talented and gentle man. I will miss him. 

 Posted by Dr, fredric c. deVries - byron center, MI - friend March 05, 2015

I know that I am a better Person and Man from having Uncle Bob in my life. His kindness and constant encouragement enabled me to strive to be better than I thought I could be. Our visits during the Holidays inevitably erupted into playing guitars, harmonicas, the saxophone and singing I will always cherish.
 Your constant encouragement to walk with the Lord Jesus our Savior made our lives richer by far. Your Laughter and Smile would light up any room you were in. I Love you Uncle Bob and I will forever carry your memory in my heart and in my thoughts forever. You will be Missed by all who knew you and especially by all those who;s lives you touched. Rest in Peace.

 Posted by Roy C. E. Tong Sr - Indianapolis, IN - Nephew March 05, 2015

I will always remember how he made us feel like we were important, and always wanted to share his talents with us. He and Pat were so gracious to the girls in our small group from church, sharing his stories and playing his harmonica. You will be missed Bob I am sure many will be humming your tunes for a long time. Thank You for sharing your talents with us. 

 Posted by Jennie Bolema - Jenison, MI - Friend March 05, 2015

I am in the choir at Georgetown United Methodist Church. It was always a pleasure when Bob would accompany us with his sax. He was always so happy and such a delight.
 I also enjoyed seeing him at Oakcrest. I think he was our choir's biggest fan. He will be missed.

 Posted by Karen Myers - Jenison, MI - friend March 05, 2015

Bob I am going to miss your beautiful music and contagious personality. I did not know you for a long period of time but you had such a positive presence in my life. Enjoy the heavenly music my friend! Heidi Pamerleau

 Posted by Heidi Pamerleau - Jenison, MI - friend March 05, 2015

Sue and family, Though I never met your dad, everything you said about him made me know he was warm and wonderful. I can't wait to meet him on the other side. Your St. Louis friend, Deb Dey

 Posted by Deborah Dey - St. Louis, MO - Sue's friend March 05, 2015

On behalf of American House formerly Oak Crest we want to convey our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your Husband/Father. We want to thank you for the privilege of caring for him at Maplewood Manor. May God bless and comfort you as you grieve. We will miss his music playing that filled our halls and offices and his outdoor concerts.

 Posted by Julie Ann Mesman - Jenison, MI - American House March 05, 2015

Bob and Pat meant the world to Mark and I. They were like surrogate grandparents who showed us nothing but love and respect. His music made us smile and his hugs offered such comfort. 
 Pat, we will miss him immensely, and we shower you with love and hugs.
 Love to you, Cari and Mark Weymouth

 Posted by Cari Weymouth - Jenison, MI - Friend March 05, 2015

I will miss his beautiful music and his friendly smile and kindness.

 Posted by Jeri Bigler - Jenison - Friend from Georgetown March 05, 2015

Friend you will be missed. I so enjoyed talking music with you and the gigs we played together. Heaven is receiving a talented musician.

 Posted by Edd Link - Jenison, NV - Friend and fellow musicain March 05, 2015

Tanya and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to Pat and the entire Ekberg family on the passing of Bob. 
 I met Bob Ekberg 45 years ago. Bob was a very special man. He was one of the kindliest most gentle and caring persons I have ever known. He seemed to be so positive and enthusiastic about life and was always willing to help others or volunteer his time for those less fortunate. He loved his music. He even played at my fiftieth birthday party. It's an endearing memory for both Tanya and I, as she loved him as well. Seemed he was never too far away from his harmonica or saxophone. Besides that big heart, he loved his cars. He sold several to me and most of my children bought their first car from Bob. 
 Throughout those 45 years I'll have to admit, I never heard a harsh word from him, nor seen him angry. What I did see was a great man who always had time for you, always admonished and inspired you, and as a young man when I met him, set an example for me of what it's like to live a good life.
 I thank God that he allowed me the privilege and honor to have known him... and call him my friend. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.
 With Love and Condolences, Robert & Tatyana Ford 

 Posted by Robert Ford - Sparta, MI - Friend March 05, 2015

Mrs Ekberg and family -
 Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Ekberg. I grew up in the Grandville United Methodist church with your family and have wonderful memories of him playing his sax both at Church and church in the park once in a while. Heavens Jazz band just got another member - thoughts and prayers - Kathy Hutchins
 

 Posted by Kathy Hutchins - Jenison, MI - Friend March 05, 2015

Sue, your dear family and you had the great joy and pleasure of a wonderful father and loving man to know and cherish. We treasure the gifts he gave you, Sue, as part of his parenting and sharing his life. May your sadness at his loss be softened by the memory of his gifts to you and so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family.

 Posted by Noeli Lytton and Jim Moll - MO March 05, 2015

Blessings on you now that you are home in the Father's House. May you enjoy your new home. Hope to see you there one day. Until then. Paul E. Parlow, Pastor

 Posted by Pastor Paul Parlow - Jenison, MI - Friend March 05, 2015

Bob was always friendly and kind and seemed to be much younger than his years! I really enjoyed his music and he brought joy to all who heard him play. My thoughts and prayers are with Pat and their family. Bob and Pat were an inspiration to emulate with their 66 years of marriage! God Bless You! 

 Posted by Peggy Wieland - Jenison, MI March 06, 2015

Pat and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we hope you are remembering happy times with Bob! His infectious enthusiasm touched everyone . I know our family felt welcome the first Sunday we visited Grandville UMC because of Bob. Bob was a great Sunday school teacher and liked to have fun. I will always remember him loaning the keys of which ever hotwheels he had driven that week to church for a quick lap up and back on Wilson Avenue. For a teenager that was great fun. Have fun leading the band in Heaven Bob.

 Posted by Steve Adsmond - Fremont, MI - Friend March 06, 2015

We have a wonderful storehouse of memories that we share with the Ekberg family! Bob was a very special friend, and the experiences we shared bring nothing but smiles to my face just thinking of him. He leaves a big hole in many lives, still, our lives are richer because he graced our path along the way. Thanks Bob, and God bless you and your family, Pat. Lovingly, Chuck and Margaret

 Posted by Chuck and Margaret Fullmer - Grand Rapids and Lakeview, MI - friend and former pastor March 06, 2015

Thank-you for having enough love for all of us.

 Posted by Laura Steib - Annandale, VA - Cousin March 06, 2015

I first met Bob in the 1980s when he would bring his digital watch to Rogers Catalog Showroom's jewelry department where I was the manager. Twice each year, when the time changed, Bob brought his watch to me to set it correctly. Since those days, I would see him from time-to-time in various contexts. My most recent memories of Bob are when I would see him perform with his group of friends who all played harmonicas. Bob was a wonderful example of Christ. It was so good to be your friend for many years. I will miss you a great deal!

 Posted by Gene Pearson - Hudsonville, MI - Friend March 06, 2015

I knew Sue's father solely through the many pictures, videos, stories and memories she has shared with me through the years. Her devotion, admiration and closeness to her Dad was evident in every one of those pictures and stories.
 Having known Sue well I have a clear understanding of the beautiful soul her Father was. His gift to all of us is his Family.
 May all of you be comforted by the memories of joyful times together as you celebrate and honor the life of your Father who blessed us with such great souls in his children.
 Your friend, Nick Ganim

 Posted by Nick Ganim - Saint Louis, MO - Friend March 07, 2015

Dearest Ekberg Family
 Uncle Bob, brother to my Dad, and a great guy. Such fond memories I have of Uncle Bob and when I think of him the word that comes to mind is enthusiasm. Uncle Bob had enthusiasm for life, people, music, cars, and especially his family and faith. Although we didn't see each other frequently, when we did see each other he was so much fun to talk to and be around. I remember seeing him in Florida, when we visited Grandma & Grandpa Ekberg. He was so excited about a (rust free) car he had found to buy. He was going to drive it back to Michigan and sell it. In fact, he sold my dad a vintage Mustang one year that fulfilled my Dad's dream. He spoke about his faith fondly and expressed it through his good deeds and kindness to others. I remember he delivered Meals-on-Wheels for many years. I thought that was so nice and I am pleased that I am able to do the same in my community today. I also enjoyed the annual Christmas letter he and Pat wrote. The thing I loved most about Uncle Bob was his passion for music. Whether it was the praise band, playing the sax, piano, or whatever other instrument he seemed to know how to play, he loved it! He was so pleased when my son took up the Alto Sax in middle school band. In fact, we bought an Alto Sax from him which we have today. He played a mean harmonica too. He played both at an anniversary party I had for my folks. Bob was our entertainment! He was there when I needed him and I will never forget him. I can picture him in heaven with his folks and my Dad. He is stirring up some kind of sing a long or band right now. Love you all, The Lewis Family. 

 Posted by Jo Anne Ekberg Lewis - MI March 07, 2015

Bob called on me as a salesman for his Truckline. He was a sheer delight. Always kind and never pushy. He always loved to laugh and make light of things. He was an excellent witness for the Lord in our conversations. I saw him at some of the God's Kitchen functions and always loved talking to him. I was always drawn to him as a person. He certainly touched my life. May God Rest his Soul.

 Posted by Jim Geerling - Grand Rapids, MI - friend March 07, 2015

Bobs smile was contagious! His love of music was very admirable! He made sure the sunday school children did not have inexpensive harmonicas. He purchased very nice ones for them! He loved to talk to our daughter about playing a band instrument.He purchased one of his saxophones for her! And he was thrilled to know she also enjoyed making music! God has beautiful in heaven now for sure!! Bob will be missed!

 Posted by Denise Callaghan - HUDSONVILLE, MI - family friend March 07, 2015

Ellen & the Ekberg Family:
 Such wonderful memories growing up at the Grandville United Methodist Church with your family. Your father was a wonderful person and I loved him sharing his musical talents with so many. He was a great friend and mentor....I will miss him, as I know you all will too. BUT.....such special memories!!!! God has blessed many of us with having known Mr. Ekberg....and he is now able share his love and talents in heaven!

 Posted by Denise (Hanlon) Kent - Mt. Pleasant, MI - Friend March 09, 2015

I am so sorry that I was not able to attend Bob's funeral, since I was on vacation in Florida visiting my folks. Pat and family - I have lifted you up in my prayers many times over the last month! I can't even begin to imagine how my dear Pat must feel after losing her love of 66 years!! I remember the last time Bob shared his wonderful musical talent with his church family - he played AND sang Andre Crouch's Tribute .... once again sharing his great love of our Savior and being a great living example of his music. I know you heard "Well done, good and faithful servant" and I'm sure that you are sharing your music in the courts above!! One day, we will have a great jam session!! Thanks Bob for being a great witness to all of us and for sharing your love with me! 

 Posted by Joy Hoskins - Jenison, MI - Friend from GUMC March 30, 2015

OBITUARY

Robert E. Ekberg

December 27, 1924 – March 4, 2015

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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