Search by Name

Search by Name

Walter Solomon Ek

Walter Solomon Ek obituary

Walter Ek Obituary


WALTER SOLOMON EK
January 22, 1921 ~ May 10, 2014

Walter Solomon Ek, age 93, died peacefully at his family home near Battle Ground Lake on May 10, 2014, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on January 22, 1921 in Mist, Oregon to John and Anna Ek. He graduated from Benson Tech in Portland and was a veteran of WWII, having served in the Army Air Corps. On July 5, 1943, Walter married Alice Levanen in Calumet, Michigan, and they raised twelve children in Battle Ground. Most of his working years were spent on his tree farm and with his sawmill. Closest to Walter's heart was his Christian faith, and his greatest concern was for his own salvation and that of others. He loved children and enjoyed close fellowship with many friends.
Surviving him are his wife of 70 years, Alice, at home; three sisters: Gertrude Levanen, Elizabeth Lindberg, and Louise Homola; 11 of his children: Patricia Sarkinen, Elaine with Edward Sarkinen, Rachel with Robert Rose, Gretchen Ek, Marianne with Roger Sarkinen, Howard with Edith Ek, Pauline with Markku Sipponen, and Elizabeth with Troy Merriman, all of Clark County; Judith with Juhani Liuksiala of Finland; Edward with Mary Ek of Montana; Karina with Hans Christian Wiik of Norway; and daughter-in-law, Patty Ek. He and Alice have 69 grandchildren and many great- and great-great grandchildren.
Walter was preceded in death by five siblings: Rachael Kaarto, Ellen Paso, Anne Hendrickson, Leonard Ek, and Ruth Charlson. He was also preceded in death by his oldest son, Calvin, in 2009; a son-in-law, Robert Sarkinen, in 2013; and three grandchildren.
Funeral services are planned for Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church, 32320 N.E. Lewisville Highway, Battle Ground, with viewing on Thursday, May 15, 2014, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the church. All are welcome.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on May 14, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Ek

Not sure what to say?





Uutta virttä Karitsalle
siellä sitten veisataan,
ylistystä Jumalalle
väsymättä milloinkaan.

Walter is in paradise with his Creator and Savior. Glory to God!
May our Heavenly Father strenghten you in your sorrow, dear Alice and family.

Katriina and Paulo Baptista

May 22, 2014

A warm thought from us.

Mari and Mikko Hurskainen

May 20, 2014

A warm thought from us.

Mari & Mikko Hurskainen

May 20, 2014

We have now had the blessed opportunity to listen to Walters funeral in Karina and Hans Christians home with some of their children (through phone patch). In this way, we feel that we have been together with you in the spirit. You have now said farewell with dear Walter. But, we belive that you have not said farewell for such a long time. Soon, that great moment of meet will come. Let us give thanks to God for helping Walter all the way, until he now enjoys that perfect rest. May God help all of us to be as fortunate as Walter.

We are thankful to God because He has allowed us to get to know Walter and his family. In this way, we have felt such a great hospitality and care in their house and wherever we have met on our journey. Thank you dear God, because you gave us such a dear travelling companion.

Our thoughts and prayers go to you Alice and your dear ones. Gods peace! Pray for us.

Alf Arne Wiik w/family, Asbjorn Horn, Hiwa, Sofie Berg

May 17, 2014

Our dear friend Walter is blessed eternally! He is safe in Heaven (with our Stefan & so many other dear ones). You, his dear family, will miss him deeply, but we will too. He was such a pillar of faith. We are so thankful for all the warm visits in your home, Alice & family. Walter's faith was so dear to him and he was so free to speak about Christianity. May God bless & comfort you all! With love & prayers, Mike & Renee Kemppainen & family

May 17, 2014

May 17,2014
Dear Alice and your family,
God´s peace be with you.

Together with you we are sorry that Walter has passed away. But we know that he is happy. He has reached his heavenly goal.Once we also wish to be there.
How good for a Christian to be able to leave this earth in living faith believing that my sins are forgiven in Jesus´ holy name and precious reconciling blood.
We have many wonderful memories from many of the visits that you, Alice, and Walter made in Europe.We also had the joy to have you as guests in our house.

Loving salutations to you all
Ruth and Lars Larsson, Luleå, Sweden

May 17, 2014

My dearest grandpa, who've always meant so very much to me, is now taken home. It's sad to be so far away,and I wish I had a chance to say bye to him before he died. I have so many, many memories from him, and I loved travelling there to visit him and grandma. They always came out and met us on the porch, waving with Norwegian flags, and welcoming us with the biggest hugs. That is something that I never will forget! Grandpa was such a loving person, and held his family and friends so dear. His living faith was most important for him, and he was a really good Christian example for us all. Grandpa always had a smile on his face, and he cared so much for the people around him. I miss him so dearly. Rest in peace, grandpa. Until we meet again on the other side. I love you.

Lena Wiik

May 17, 2014

Olemme kiitollisia Taivaan Isälle, kun saimme tuntea niin hienon miehen kuin Walter Ek. Tutustuimme häneen ja hänen ihanaan puolisoonsa Aliceen yli kolmekymmentä vuotta sitten, kun heidän tyttärensä Gretchen asui meillä. Kolme vuotta sitten vierailimme heillä ja saimme todeta hänen charminsa silloinkin. Kaipaukseenne osaa ottaen Hilkka ja Tapani Ansaharju Suomesta

Tapani Ansaharju

May 16, 2014

Walter. This gentle, caring man is now in his true Home while his legacy of love lives on in our hearts here on Earth. Dearest Ek family, our deepest condolences go to you. Alice, if you are hearing these words I want you to feel a big, big hug now. All of you, you are a wonderful family and we feel honoured and grateful to have welcomed Pauline into ours. We are glad to have gotten to know Walter and Alice through this union with Mikko's dad. Lovingly always, Taina and Mikko with Aksel, Jenna, Nelson and Gabriel Sipponen.

May 16, 2014

A truly great and caring man,
Living to help others was his plan.

The natives of Mist are very proud,
To have Walter as one of their crowd.

It is always a sad day,
When such a person passes away.

Vernon Peterson

May 14, 2014

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Walter Ek's name

Memorial Events
for Walter Ek

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Walter's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Walter Ek's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more