Roger Edgar Ekman

Ekman, Roger E. age 92, of Edina, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 27th, 2021. Preceded in death by his loving wife, Joyce Ekman; mother, Helen Ekman; father, Reuben Ekman and brother, William Ekman. Survived by loving children, John Ekman of Oxnard, California, Paul (Mary Jo) Ekman of Edina, Minnesota and grandchildren, Annie Ekman of Columbus, Ohio and Peter Ekman of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Roger was born on April 6th, 1929 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After graduating with honors from both South High School and the University of Minnesota NROTC Regular Program, Roger married Joyce, his high school sweetheart. He then commenced a two-decade long career in the U.S. Navy that included commanding the USS Tioga County (LST 1158) and USS Leonard F. Mason (DD 852). His service in the Navy included activities in Korea, Vietnam and other areas in the Pacific Ocean. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Distinguished Service Order and Combat Action Ribbon. While serving in the Navy he received degrees from George Washington University (MA), Auburn University (MBA), Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama and various other naval institutions. Upon retirement from the Navy, with the permanent rank of Captain USN-Retired, the family settled in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, where he and Joyce would live for many years. Roger went on to serve as President, Logemann Brothers Heavy Manufacturing, District Sales Manager, Williams Steel and Supply, Executive Director, Management Programs, School of Business, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Special Projects Director, Market Probe and Member of the Advisory Boards of the Salvation Army Districts in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Upon retirement from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Roger went on to volunteer with several organizations and was particularly devoted to the Salvation Army, U.S. Naval Institute and the University of Minnesota President's Club, Regents Society. His remarkable career and travels brought him great joy, but none greater than the joy he felt for his family. He was a kind, devoted and involved father and grandfather who never met a stranger. Roger was always ready with a silly dad joke and brought great joy to all who knew him, especially his family. He will be greatly missed, but his family and friends rest easy knowing he is now reunited with his loved ones, especially his dear Joyce. Special thanks to all who cared for Roger over these past few years, particularly the staff at Aurora on France Senior Living. Private family service and interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, in Roger's memory. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Roger Edgar Ekman

April 6, 1929 - June 27, 2021

Tributes

Roger Edgar Ekman

April 6, 1929 - June 27, 2021

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