Dwain Butch Ekberg

Dwain “Butch” D. Ekberg, 65, of rural Wakefield, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, May 10, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 13, at 10:30 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church in Wakefield with Pastor Bill Koeber officiating. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Bressler-Munderloh Funeral Home in Wakefield. Interment will be in the Wakefield Cemetery. Butch was born on December 7, 1944 at Wayne, Nebraska to Virgil and Doris (Schulz) Ekberg. He enlisted in the United States Army on December 24, 1963, serving a tour of duty in Germany. He was honorably discharged on December 23, 1969. Butch was united in marriage to Liz Thompson on October 10, 1970 at the United Methodist Church in Spencer, NE. Three children were blessed to this marriage: Kelly, Ryan and Suzann. They made their home northeast of town where they farmed and raised livestock. He was a member of the American Legion. Butch loved being outside and farming his land. He was happiest spending time with his family and friends, and planning his next trip to Montana. Butch is survived by his wife of 40 years, Liz, one son, Ryan and his wife Sarah of Wakefield, two daughters, Kelly and her husband Jess Kirkpatrick of Jackson, Montana, and Suzann and her husband Nick Reynolds of Lexington, NE., five grandchildren: Valyn, Madelyn, Hayden, Roxy and Drew, brother Lyle and his Wife Marvene of Wakefield, sister Barbara of North Carolina, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Leon, and a brother-in-law Ronnie Sampson.