Gordon Carl Ekre 

September 5, 1934 – July 31, 2026

Gordon Carl Ekre age 91 passed away on July 31, 2026 at Sunnyside Care Center surrounded by his family.

Gordon, the youngest of 11 children, was born to Carl and Gina (Jore) Ekre on September 5, 1934, on the family farm in Hawley Township. He attended District 20 Country School & Hawley Public School through the eighth grade and later earned his GED while serving in the Army.

In 1954, Gordon volunteered for the United States Army and served for three years mainly in the Panama Canal Zone. After returning home, Gordon worked for Hallett Construction and Kost Brothers before starting what was closest to his heart—farming. He became a farmer in rural Hawley, raising cattle, and planting and harvesting many grains. During this time, he started the Ekre Trenching business.

On November 24, 1961, Gordon married Carol Langseth, at Glyndon Lutheran Church.

Gordon remained on the family farm until 2021 while spending several winters in Arizona. He was active in the community by serving on several boards including the Hawley Elevator, Eglon Township and Hegland Church. He moved to Sunnyside in October 2021.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 10 brothers and sisters, and his son-in-law, Phil McDonald.

Gordon leaves behind a loving family: his beloved wife, Carol; his son, Mark (Pam) Ekre of Hawley; daughters Linda McDonald of Bemidji, Carolyn Francois of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Pauline (David) Winge of Bemidji. He was a proud grandpa to seven grandchildren, TJ (Rachel) McDonald, Nicole (Tylor) Garding, Jared (Catherine) Winge, Matthew Winge, Lily Ekre, Carl Ekre and RJ Francois and nine great-grandchildren.

He will be deeply missed but forever carried in the hearts of his family and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 6, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, followed by a prayer service at 7 PM, in Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN. Visitation will continue on Friday, August 7, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM, prior to the service.

Funeral service will be Friday, August 7, at 11:00 AM, in Hegland Lutheran Church, rural Hawley, MN.

A livestream and recording of the service will be available here.

Interment will follow the service at Hegland Lutheran Church Cemetery.