WAUSAU, Wis. - Richard A. "Dick" Eklund, 74, of Ironwood, Mich., died Friday, June 10, 2016, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, from complications of a stroke suffered in his home on Sunday, May 29.
Dick was born June 13, 1941, in Ironwood, son of the late Arnold and Priscilla (Simmons) Eklund, and attended St. Ambrose High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on Oct. 2, 1958, serving stateside, and was discharged on Oct. 23, 1961.
He was married to the former Kathleen M. Kapets on June 20, 1964, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Ironwood by the late Rev. Frank Ronkowski. They then resided in Kenosha for 40 years, where Dick was employed in the marine industry, retiring in 2005 and returning to Ironwood.
Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting and snowmobiling, and was an avid reader.
Surviving are his wife Kathleen, of 51 years; son, Eric (Jenny), and daughter, Kristen (Mark) Gilbert, both of Pewaukee; four grandchildren, Maddie Gilbert, and Emily, Ava and Jack Eklund; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Minkin and Pat Boyer, both of Ironwood; brother-in-law, Dennis (Nancy) Kapets, Milwaukee; many nieces and nephews; and special friend and fishing partner, Bob (Virginia) Sertich, Hurley.
Per Dick's wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.
Arrangements were entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.