Steven J. Ekenberg

MOUNT HOREB - Steven J. Ekenberg, age 65, of Mount Horeb, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was born on April 5, 1956, in Chicago, Ill., the son of Warren and Helene (Linden) Ekenberg. He attended Northern Illinois University, where he met his future wife, Janet Kalina. They were married on Oct. 8, 1983. Steven was a man of many talents. He earned the Master of Science degree from Northern Illinois University in 1982 after successfully defending an outstanding thesis entitled: The role of exonucleases 5 in colicin E2-induced DNA degradation. In the science laboratory he was a real renaissance man - full of quiet excitement and passion about his current new discovery. Most of all, he was a global thinker who was never afraid to push experimental limits to develop new tools to be used in molecular biology and STEM. Steve spent his career as an industrial scientist at Promega for many years and it was there that he patented more than 10 important systems that even today are used to make cutting edge research feasible. He developed molecular tools or kits in the Promega R&D lab ranging from DNA and RNA isolation and amplification systems to unique target bead binding assays. His publication record of more than 12 peer reviewed manuscripts were targeted towards journals of excellence such as Nature and Nature Genetics. Although Steve presented a plethora of lectures describing his studies, he was happy when his inventions and new discoveries were used and discussed by his many colleagues and peers. He was an avid outdoorsman, and self-proclaimed handyman. Steve liked to spend his time planting some 38,000 trees on the family’s land, trail riding his horses, walking through the valley and watching sunsets. He was a lover of music, played the accordion, enjoyed many concerts and had an obsession for Pink Floyd. When he wasn't working in his shop, or on the farm, he made sure he was spending time with his wife, children and all their animals. His first grandchild, Chase Walters, is seven months old and Steve took great pride in him. Steven is survived by his wife of 38 years, Janet; son, Tim Ekenberg; daughter, Krysten (Jesse) Walters; grandson, Chase Walters; mother, Helene; and brothers, James "Jim" (Janet) Ekenberg and Dave (Jeanne) Ekenberg. He was preceded in death by father, Warren. In keeping with Steve’s wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be gifted to UW Madison Health (tinyurl.com/vwf34255). Steve never met a stranger and was always willing to help students in their studies. He always spoke in a quiet and gentle manner and had a big smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. Steve, you left us too soon, may you rest in peace. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com . Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral & Cremation Care 500 N. Eighth St. (608) 437-5077