John Eklund Obituary

John E. Eklund

John E. Eklund, 78, of Waterville and formerly of Fostoria, died Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, at St. Luke's Hospital, Maumee.

He was born Oct. 27, 1943, in New York City, New York, to Carl and Jane "Betty" (Lentz) Eklund.

John attended University of Connecticut and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Kent State University after his family relocated to the Cleveland area. He worked at the school radio station while at KSU, gaining a love for being on the air. John went on to work for K-Mart stores for more than 30 years, a career that took him to Fostoria, where he retired as general manager. He later worked at Lowe's in Findlay and satisfied his desire to work in radio, offering sports scores and commentary with WFIN in Findlay for several years.

In his free time, John enjoyed dabbling in photography and was an avid fan of Detroit Tigers. A great cook known for his mouthwatering cheeseburgers, he also loved chocolate of any kind, watching the news, and talking politics. A private man with a dry wit, he will also be remembered for being "hysterical by accident." John was often funny when he didn't mean to be and not-so-funny when he was trying. The self-proclaimed "love machine," John always put the needs of his family first, finding his greatest joy spending time with his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Brenda Eklund; three children, Eric (Brendie) Yerkes, Emily (Stacey) Yerkes, and Ellie (Jeremy) Selders; six grandchildren, Erica (Jordan) Yerkes, Kaylee (Dakotah) Burch, Aaron Yerkes, Ashley Selders, Gerrit Yerkes, and Sarah Nash; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mary Jane (George) Howell and Kathryn Elizabeth (Jim) Froom.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas Carl Eklund; and grandson, Christopher Yerkes.

John's funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary Street, Perrysburg. Burial will follow at Roth Cemetery, Monclova Township.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, at the funeral home.

Contributions in John's name are suggested to American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.