Burr Ekstrand

Burr Ekstrand
June 22, 1954 - February 16, 2018

Burr Randall Ekstrand, 63, of Hazleton, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2018 at Buchanan County Health Center in Independence. Visitation will be on Friday, February 23, 2018 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm with a memorial service at 6:00 pm led by Rev. Lucille King and following the memorial service visitation will continue until 8:00pm all at the Geilenfeld Funeral home in Oelwein. A memorial fund for Burr has been established by the family.

Burr was born on June 22, 1954 in Cedar Rapids, the son of Clarence “Dick” and Doris (Heitland) Ekstrand. He grew up in the area and graduated from Washington High School in 1972. After high school Burr attended North East Missouri State University and Coe College for a time. He was united in marriage to Connie Schmitz on August 26, 1978 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burr was a parts manager at Rydell in Waterloo. When he wasn’t working he enjoyed horseback riding, motorcycle riding, running (triathlons), playing in the “Rambling Fever Band”, but his greatest pleasure was his family and friends. Please dress casual.

He is survived by his wife, Connie of Hazleton; his children, BJ (Amy) Ekstrand of Hazleton, Eric Ekstrand of Oelwein and Erin Ekstrand of Arcadia, WI; two grandsons, Tristan Ekstrand and Jared Little; a sister Janet (Clancy) Herrington of Cedar Rapids and his parents, Clarence and Doris. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bob and Velma Heitland and Clarence and Ruth Ekstrand.

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Dave Garvey on March 6, 2018 at 11:25 AM said:

My sincere condolences, and so very sorry for your loss. Burr was a great influence on me from our days at the WHS Jazz and Concert Bands, 40+ years ago. I always aspired to play as well as Burr, never quite got there. He was such an incredibly talented musician, always marveled at his improvisational prowess. I was privileged to have taken trombone lessons from Burr as a sophomore at WHS, taught me so very much. WHS Class 74'

Les and Tammi Aldrich on February 25, 2018 at 11:23 AM said:

So sorry to hear of Burr's passing. He was a great musician and friend.

Mark B Handler on February 24, 2018 at 5:52 AM said:

Burr:

I'll always remember you from the time I did my OJE parts training (under you at Arenson Chevrolet) through the Automotive Parts Program at Hawkeye Institute of Technology (now Hawkeye Community College)

Your guidance and patience with me were greatly appreciated.

And, when I was working a service department porter at Arenson's, you would would always give me firm, but friendly reminders when I started to get out of line.

Say hello to Moose and Marv Woode for me.

Marky B

Greg Anson on February 23, 2018 at 2:40 PM said:

Please accept my deep condolences for the loss of a great man and a great friend. I’m at a loss for words and hurting to know that I won’t be able to see him or talk to him again. He was a best friend when I moved from Omaha to CR in 1973. I’ll never forget how he helped me adjust to being away from home for the first time. No one knows the love we had for each other and our music. I was honored that he asked me to be in his wedding. I’m sorry I couldn’t make the service today but my travel from Maine didn’t allow it. God bless you Burr and your family. RIP my friend.

Andy Weaver on February 23, 2018 at 12:29 PM said:

I remember Burr from our Boy Scout troop at Monroe School in CR. He was a great guy and was always helping us younger scouts learn the basics of scouting. God Bless Burr and all of those family members he leaves behind. May your fond memories of Burr help you through this time of great loss.

Sincerely,
Andy Weaver,
Washington High School,
Class of 1973

Bonnie Dodge on February 23, 2018 at 6:07 AM said:

To Jan and all of Burr's family members, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. I played with Burr in the WHS band and jazz band for 3 years. He was a fine musician. My condolences to you all.

Charis Combs-Lay on February 22, 2018 at 3:42 PM said:

I am so sorry to hear about your family loss. You are in my prayers.

Dave and Cindy McMickle on February 22, 2018 at 6:08 AM said:

We are so sorry that we cannot attend the service tomorrow evening. But, we will be there in thought and prayer. Burr and Dave were very good friends forever, they were in each others weddings,played music together, rode motorcycles together. The last time we saw Burr he was having the time of his life at a Tower of Power concert in Des Moines. That is what we will always remember.
Those that know us, know how we feel. Please know, he was a super person and friend and will be missed.

Daniel Sheldon on February 21, 2018 at 6:48 PM said:

Burr was a great man, he will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was loved by all

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Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home

309 1st Avenue NE | Oelwein, IA 50662 | Phone: 319.283.4653

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