Donald Eugene Ekberg

Don Eugene Ekberg joined his heavenly family on August 18, 2023. Don was a long-time resident of Big Bear California.  Don was born on June 27, 1923, in Beatrix, Nebraska.  He graduated high school in Summerfield, Nebraska and moved to Manhattan, Kansas when his parents left the farm.  Don met the love of his life in Manhattan while working at a movie theater.  They married in 1948, raising three sons, Richard, Larry, and Steve.

The family moved to La Mirada, California in 1957 when Don became the owner/operator of a Texaco station in Buena Park, California.  He was on the same intersection for 20 years 1957-1977.  Don and Margaret then moved to Big Bear, California to retire, but of course Don bought Big Bear City Auto Parts and the Chevron station in Big Bear Lake.  In 1985 Don fully retired and he and Margaret enjoyed traveling.  “They made multiple trips to Switzerland, Austria, and England as well as trips within the continental US. 

Prior to retirement Don became active in the Big Bear United Methodist church, Kiwanis and Masonic lodge in Big Bear.  He was preceded in his death by his wife Margaret, his oldest son Richard, a grandson, and a great-great granddaughter.  He is survived by his sons, Larry (Edenton, North Carolina) and Steven (Banning, California).  He is also survived by seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. 

Don and Margaret were married for 54 years.   After Margaret’s death, dad met and shared a long-term friendship with Jane Rech of Big Bear, California. 

In April of 2022, Don finally left Big Bear, and moved to a senior living community in Loma Linda, California where he celebrated his 100th birthday in June of 2023 surrounded by family and friends.  Dad will be buried with Margaret in the Riverside National Cemetery in the future. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Eugene Ekberg, please visit our floral store.