Nordean Palmer Ekren

Nordean "Dean" Palmer Ekren passed away Monday, September 24, 2012 at the age of 81 at Altru Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with mounting health problems. Dean was born on January 12, 1931 to Nellie and Palmer Ekren. He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Falos on October 14, 1949. The couple made their home in Grand Forks. Nordean worked at Bridgeman Creamery as a delivery man for 40 years before retiring. After retirement, he then found a job as a Patient Assistant for 12 years at Altru Clinic. He was able to combine his love of coffee, gift of gab and his desire to help others into one job. He then retired completely to spend more time with his wife and family and have coffee on Tuesdays with his former Bridgeman Creamery co-workers. Dean was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks. Dean is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary, daughter Sandie (Joel) Antonson, sons, Randy (Mary) Ekren, Tim (Dawn) Ekren, Marty (Patty) Ekren, and Jay (Cheryl) Ekren. Besides loving his kids, he loved hanging out with his grandchildren; Kelsey, Kayla, Chad (Tara), Jodi (Steven) Demmerly, Tiana (Ron) Holiday, Travis (Julie), Matthew, Chelsey (Cody) Edwards, Tyler, Abby Senger, Christian, Nathan (Crystal), Jeremy (Jacelyn) Antonson, and his great-grandchildren; Gavin, Madison, Aspen, Kaitlin, Cole, Jack, Charlie, and Rudy. He was a quiet man that loved his family and said it was his greatest achievement. He is also survived by his siblings; Bud, Duane, Darlyne, Carol, Nancy, and Gene, many in-laws, cousins and great friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; Nellie and Palmer, step-father Rodlen Johnson, mother-in-law Violet, father-in-law John Falos and daughter-in-law Robin Ekren. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Dean's honor to the Altru Cancer Center, Grand Forks, ND. A memorial service to celebrate Dean's life will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church Friday, September 28, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 4-6 p.m. at Amundson Funeral Home with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 5:30 p.m. and a prayer service at 6:00 p.m.