Louis E. Eklund Jr.

Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, Louis Eklund, Jr. was a humble man who made a significant impact in the community he called home throughout his entire lifes journey. He was a successful entrepreneur who leaves behind a timeless legacy through his numerous acts of generosity. A more devoted family man would be hard to find as Louiss greatest joy was found in his family tree that blossomed to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren he adored. As his friends and family can attest, he could be stubborn when it came to matters he felt strongly about, yet his heart was as big as they come. Life will never be the same without Louis here, but his memory will remain forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind. The 1930s were some of the darkest days we have seen as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. The unemployment rate rose to over 25 percent, which left countless Americans without jobs. To make matters worse, there was a crippling drought in our nations heartland, adding more strain to an already hurting agricultural industry. It was on June 23, 1931, that there was much to celebrate in the lives of an active family from Muskegon, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into the fold. Louis Elmer was the youngest of five children born to his parents, Louis and Ora (Nielsen) Eklund, in the family home on M-120. Raised alongside his older siblings, Orel, Jim, Ruth, and Bonnie, Louis experienced busy upbringing for the youth of his generation. His family owned and operated the family grocery business and his father was also elected as the Muskegon County Sheriff in 1936 after which the family moved to the Sheriffs headquarters which at that time also housed the jail.. His mother was a busy homemaker. Louis attended various local elementary schools and went on to Muskegon High. He was anything but average when it came to playing baseball as he was talented enough at the game that he was offered a contract by the Houston Astros. Louis and his family were dealt a devastating blow with the death of his father in 1951. Louis returned home from Grandview Junior College in Des Moines, Iowa to help support the family for a time. Louis lost his draft deferment when he came home and served in the Marine Corps from 1952 through 1953. He later went on to graduate with a BA in business from Michigan State University in 1956. Never to be forgotten during Louiss years as a young man was his introduction to the girl of his dreams. Her name was Ann Wallerstrom, and they were introduced by her sister, Elsie. They had a great time dating, often going to parties and out dancing as Louis had smooth moves out on the dance floor. Deeply in love, Louis and Ann were married on November 26, 1954. Together they were blessed with two sons, Wes and Bruce. To support his family Louis worked in several manufacturing companies. After graduating college he started working in purchasing at Kaydon Corporation, and he later worked in purchasing, traffic, and warehousing for Westran Corporation until he formed Fleet Engineers Incorporated out of his garage in 1963. Louis was very dedicated to his business and determined to make it a success. It grew from the old Mona Lake Ice Company building, to 6th and Sherman in Muskegon Heights, then a fire destroyed the main plant in1969.Determined as ever, out of the ashes came the current location at 1800 E. Keating Ave, in 1970 when the new plant was built. It wasnt a surprise to those who knew Louis that the business continued to grow under his leadership, and his success didnt go unnoticed as he was named the 1984 Muskegon Entrepreneur of the year. Lou stayed very attentive to the business always, even asking about it during his last days. Fleet Engineers is a lasting legacy, and his very proud accomplishment. The company continues to thrive and grow, under the leadership of his oldest son, Wes. The company under his vision continues to focus on maintaining a leadership position designing & developing products to transform the transportation Industry throughout the world. Lou was able to see the company survive and continue to grow to this, 50 years after his initial idea of starting the business. Although work kept him busy, Louis treasured the time he had with his family. There were fun-filled vacations to places like Florida and California, and they also rented a cabin on Silver Lake for a week many summers.. In 1965 they moved to their home on Mona Lake. Christmas was always a memorable time spent with extended family as Christmas Eve was spent with his wifes family while Christmas Day was spent with his local Brother and Sisters families. Louis and Ann were avid card players. He loved Pinochle and bridge and spent many hours with Anns siblings and spouses over the years in rabidly competitive card games. In his free time Louis did so many things to enrich his life. He loved cars, once buying a 1957 chevy that had been restored and also a 1923 Model T dump truck that was once used to first pave Apple Ave. He always loved his Lincoln Continentals and drove one until the end. He enjoyed hunting & fishing with his sons, once took an Elk hunting trip out west and a moose hunting trip in Canada, and did deer hunting in the Upper Peninsula with neighbor Sid Miller & family. Louis even shot a moose in Canada. He was a huge Spartans fan, and he was an avid Tigers fan, too. For a time Louis and Ann had a winter home on Marco Island, and they also enjoyed traveling more later in life including trips to Mexico, Hawaii, and Sweden. Boating was also a lifelong favorite activity. Louis was never an extremely healthy individual, but his many health challenges never were more than another obstacle to overcome. His two triple bypasses, ruptured aortic aneurysm, blood disorders and the like were no match for his determination to move forward. As a longtime resident of his community, Louis made a significant impact in the area. He contributed to the Muskegon Railroad Historical society, the Muskegon Schools library, and many other charitable goals. He was a member of the Purchasing Agents Association of Western Michigan, the Masonic Temple, and the Elks. Louis also served as the chief of the Viking Lodge. He created the fund to install the pier lights on the Muskegon Channel, which serve as a legacy to his generosity to the community. Louis also created the Eklund Energy Fund that has installed wind turbines, electric charging stations for hybrid cars, and other energy conservation projects in Muskegon through the Community Foundation. A driven, focused, and intelligent man, Louis Eklund, Jr. was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was kindhearted and thoughtful of others, and he was so much fun to be around, too. Louiss love for his family was unmatched, and his dedication to the business he created is to be admired. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. Louis Elmer Eklund died on February 14, 2013. Louiss family includes his wife, Ann; son, Wes (Jody), their children, Blair (Kristina) Eklund of Evergreen CO, Erica (William W) Slayton of North Muskegon, Andrew (Amy) of Eagle River AK, great-grandchildren, Samantha Slayton, Paige Slayton, Blake Slayton, Alexis Eklund, Braden Eklund, Bo Eklund; and son, Bruce (Lynn) Eklund and their children, Nicole & TJ of Muskegon; sisters, Orel Borgeson of Muskegon, Bonnie Belknap of Kansas City, MO. Louis was preceded in death by his brother, James D. Eklund, and sister, Ruth Snyder. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. Mark Gilson officiating. Visit with Louiss family and friend on Monday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon and Tuesday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials can be made to St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, Viking Scholarship Fund or Harbor Hospice Poppen House. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.