Elizabeth Ann Ekola
May 16, 1943 - July 25, 2021
Obituary
MADISON - Elizabeth Ann Ekola, age 78, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Oakwood Village Prairie Ridge following a recent sepsis infection and a lengthy battle with Amyloidosis.
Elizabeth was born May 16, 1943, in Watertown, S.D., and graduated from Augustana Academy, Canton, S.D. and from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. While teaching English in Marinette, Wis., she met her husband, Jeffrey Ekola, whom she married in 1968. She continued teaching for a number of years in both Wisconsin and Michigan, where she and Jeff raised their two daughters. After a move from Iron Mountain/Kingsford, Mich., to Madison, Wis., Elizabeth worked for more than 20 years for the City of Madison.
From choir to violin to piano, music played an important part of life for Elizabeth, and she remained active in the Lake Edge Lutheran Church choir as well as the Monona Senior Choir for many years. Elizabeth gave freely of her time and energies to a number of philanthropic organizations, was a longtime member of several groups including PEO and church circles, and enjoyed book clubs, gardening, and the greater Lake Edge Lutheran Church and Elvehjem neighborhood communities. She also enjoyed time with her friends and family, and especially cherished her four grandchildren.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Jeffrey; two daughters, Amy (Steve) Dye of Potomac, Md., and AnnaLisa (Charles) Nelson of Annapolis, Md.; grandchildren, Garen Dye, Evan Dye, Anders Nelson, and Aurora Nelson; sister, Alice Loddigs of Plymouth, Minn.; sisters-in-law, Alice Hofstad of Battle Lake, Minn., and Sally Ekola of Garfield, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Otis Nelson in 1943; her stepfather, Julian Hofstad; mother, Inez (Lindland Nelson) Hofstad; and her brother, David Hofstad.
A funeral service will be held at LAKE EDGE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4032 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, July 31, 2021. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Amyloidosis Support Groups (www.amyloidosissupport.org); Lake Edge Lutheran Church in Madison; or an environmental conservation organization of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com .
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
Events
Visitation
Sat Jul 31, 2021 @ 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Lake Edge Lutheran Church • 4032 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53716
Funeral Service
Sat Jul 31, 2021 @ 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM CDT
Lake Edge Lutheran Church • 4032 Monona Dr, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Elizabeth have been shared yet.
Memories
ES
Elaine Stevens
Other •
I met Elizabeth while working at the City of Madison. Although we worked in different offices we seemed to enjoy talking to each other and had a lot in common. Recently, we had both moved to Oakwood Prairie Ridge, and I was delighted to reconnect after many years. I am so sorry she struggled so hard with her disease. Condolences to the family.
MZ
Meg Zopelis
Other •
I did not know Elizabeth but I had the pleasure of working with Jeff. A donation has been made in Elizabeth's memory to Amyloidosis Support Group. Sending prayers and well wishes to the family. I hope fond memories of Elizabeth help you smile. Meg Zopelis
JL
Jerry Lund
Other •
Jeff Sorry to hear about Elizabeth. She was a strong woman and wife too. Take care. Jerry Lund
SE
Susan, Guy, Olynden, Lindberg and Eva Ekola
Other •
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
MW
Margaret Williams
Other •
Elizabeth was a wonderful member of the Monona Senior Chorus. We sat next to each other in the Soprano Section, and she was a major contributing voice in our section, able to sing either first or second soprano parts. She was always so pleasant to chat with, and always a positive influence. She will be greatly missed by our group. Sincere condolences to her family in these difficult times.
LB
Linda K. Brown
Other •
Jeff and family, My condolences on the loss of Elizabeth. I only met her several times but knew she was gracious, kind and committed to her family and friends. May her memories help to sustain you during these difficult times. Linda K. Brown