JOHN “TINY” EKSTROM

John “Tiny” Ekstrom, age 72, of Lily Lake, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 27, 2022.

John was born on May 22, 1950, in St. Charles, IL, to loving parents Ray, and Doris (Lant) Ekstrom.

Tiny grew up farming in Lily Lake with his father, and to his last day carried the title of, farmer. He tried his hand at fixing up motorcycles and cars, ultimately falling in love with his motorcycles.

Tiny was always a jolly, free spirit. The Golden Acres Restaurant in Sugar Grove was one of his favorite stops, he was well-known there. He was so well-known that one of the waitresses set her friend, Vickie up to meet Tiny and they were a match from the start. They enjoyed many good times together and were united in marriage on December 27, 1980 in Aurora. The newly wedded couple moved to Lily Lake and started their lives together. Their son Cody was born on June 27, 1981 and Luke made the family complete on February 25, 1985.

Tiny started his working career as a truck driver and kept his love for truck driving working many jobs, including, Stover Brothers, The Elburn Packing Company, Burren’s Transfer, and then retired from Bell Land Improvement.

Tiny had a knack for making people laugh, not always intentionally. When the family went on a trip to Jamaica, Tiny dove into the saltwater for the first time and not realizing what would happen he dove in with his eyes and mouth wide open. He soon realized his mistake and everyone had a good laugh. It was a memorable trip for the family who are still telling stories about it today. Whether he was working or home with the family, Tiny loved telling jokes and enjoyed the time that he spent at social events. He loved people and people loved him. John was a joy to be around, and made sure that everyone had a good time while he was there. He and Vickie has some great experiences at all of the concerts she made him attend.

John “Tiny” is survived by his loving wife; Vickie Ekstrom; his son, Luke Ekstrom, and his grandson, Gage Ekstrom; his brother and sister, Rick (Sue) Ekstrom and Donna Einwich, and his brothers-in-law: Frank, Charles, and Albert Hare; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews and a community of friends. 

John “Tiny” is preceded in death by his son, Cody Ray Ekstrom; his parents, Ray and Doris Ekstrom; his father and mother-in-law, Frank and Dot Hare; and his brothers-in-law; Paul Einwich, and Ted Hare.

John’s family is going to hold a visitation in his honor on Wednesday, November 30, from 3-7 P.M. at the Conley Funeral Home, 116 W Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Interment will follow with a committal service on Thursday, December 1st at 11 A.M. at Lily Lake Cemetery, St Charles, IL.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in John’s name. Checks may be made to the “John “Tiny” Ekstrom Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.