John Edward Ekelund, 83, of Owatonna, died Thursday, November 11, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester. He was born August 21, 1927 in Minneapolis the son of Fran and Edna (Anderson) Ekelund. John graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis and later attended the University of Minnesota. He served in the US Navy at the end of World War II. John married Patricia Lundquist October 12, 1950 at Lebanon Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The couple moved to Winona where he was a freight salesman for Transport America. During his career with Transport America he moved his family to Owatonna and continued to work for them until retiring in 1992. In retirement he worked part-time for Havana Hills Golf Course and Brooktree Golf Course. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Elk's. John was an avid sports fan enjoying both the Vikings and the Twins. John loved golfing and never hesitated to travel to see his grandchildren's activities. He is survived by his wife Patricia Ekelund of Owatonna; son, Tom Ekelund of Zumbro Falls; daughters, Mary (and Jerry) Martell of Hokah, Nancy (and Tim) Condon of Roberts, WI, Jane (and Jody) Hoffman of St. Ansgar, IA; 9 grandchildren, Jon, Michael, Jakob (and Lindsey), Lauren, Kristen, Jacklyn, Ashley, Angela, Jeremiah; great grandchild, Layla; sister-in-law, Char (and Mick) Stella of Omaha, NE; nieces, Cindy and Cheryl. John was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be at Trinity Lutheran Church on Tuesday from 10am to 11am. Funeral services will be held November 16, 2010 at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Reverend John Lestock officiating. Interment will be in the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation: 11/16/2010 10:00 11/16/2010 11:00 Service: 11/16/2010 11:00