C. Carl Eklof

C. Carl Eklof PRINCETON — Pastor C. Carl Eklof passed away Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010, at Colonial Hall Nursing Home in Princeton. He was born May 4, 1923, in Manteno, Ill., to Eric C. and Lillian (LaMaire) Eklof. He graduated from West High School in Waukegan. That same year, he entered the 24th Division of the U.S. Army as a scout. He participated in the landing at Hollandia, South Pacific, and returned stateside after contracting malaria. Following recovery, he served as an M.P. at Camp McCoy, Wis., until 1946. He married Ruth E. Benson Dec. 31, 1947, in Waukegan. After graduating from Carthage College, he entered the Chicago Lutheran Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity Degree in 1953. He was ordained that year at Grace Lutheran Church in Springfield. Throughout his career, he was pastor of the following Illinois churches: Dongola Lutheran Parish, Dongola; Christ Lutheran, Decatur; St. Mark's Lutheran, Washington; Good Shepherd Lutheran, Chicago; First Lutheran, Princeton and First Lutheran, Geneseo. After his retirement, Carl and his wife became members of St. John's Lutheran in Peru. He then served as home visit pastor art St. John's and Trinity Lutheran in Moline and as interim pastor for Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kewanee for 11 years. Carl touched many lives and will be remembered for his devotion to the church and his sense of humor. In addition to his love for books, he enjoyed traveling with his family and camping throughout the states. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ruth; two daughters, Melanie Eklof (Dennis O'Brien) and Shari Eklof; and three grandchildren, Aleksandr, Ian and Kyle. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepmother, and two brothers, Orville and Arthur. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John's Lutheran Church, Plank Road, Peru, with Pastors Timothy Kenyon and Norman Femrite officiating. Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Norberg Memorial Home in Princeton and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church in Princeton or St. John's Lutheran Church in Peru. Online condolences may be left at norbergfh.com.

C. Carl Eklof

May 4, 1923 - November 24, 2010