Carl James Eklund

Carl J. Eklund, 86, of Englewood, FL, formerly of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 12, 2024 in Englewood Hospital. Born November 19, 1937 in Rockford, IL to Edwin and Ruth (Shelhart) Eklund. Married the love of his life, Edith Fahlbeck, on January 26, 1957.

In 1959, Carl joined Masonic Lodge 102 in Rockford, IL where he remained a member until his passing. Carl was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 641 for over 50 years. Carl worked most of his life as a semi-truck driver, retiring from Preston Trucking in 1994. He and his wife, Edith, moved permanently to Englewood, FL in 1999.

Carl is survived by his loving wife, Edith; four daughters, Susan (Michael) Grenlund, Brenda Medernach, Kathy (Sam) Kanturek, and Amy (Tom) Ciaccio; seven grandchildren, Taryn (Nick) Klein, Nicholas (Sara) Schulz, April Adams, Heather (Ron) Brimeyer, Marilyn Myers, Lyndsey

Grenlund and Ehren Grenlund; fifteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Also survived by niece, Linda Hauser, and nephews, George “Frank” Franklin and Michael (Jan) Franklin; special friends, Barb Hertzner, Bobbie Walter, Sharon Aldrich, Vic & Mary Bubelis, Mike & Dorothy McCarter, Bob & Karen Carey; as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and beloved neighbors.

Predeceased by his parents; sister, Edna Ring-Ballinger; son-in-law, James Medernach; niece, Sandra Franklin-Schwartz; niece-in-law, Tanya Franklin; and nephew-in-law, Jack Hauser. Celebrations of Life will be held on October 26, 2024 from 1pm to 3pm at SM&SF Club, 1010 Sandy Hollow Rd, Rockford, IL, and on November 23, 2024 from 2pm to 4pm at Englewood Methodist Church, Doan Chapel, 700 E Dearborn St, Englewood, FL. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in his name.

Lemon Bay Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.