William “Bill” J. Ek, 79, summer resident of Shell Lake, died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, at Indianhead Medical Center in Shell Lake. He was born July 31, 1936, in Shell Lake, to Walter and Annastasia (Candell) Ek.
Bill was married in Shell Lake, on June 22, 1957, to Karen Rae Peterson. Bill had a distinguished career in the marine industry for over 50 years starting as a young man with his father at Shell Lake Boats.
Bill is survived by his wife, Karen, of Shell Lake; sons, Michael Ek, of Burnsville, Minnesota, Jeffrey (Kathy) Ek, of Oconomowoc, Paul Ek, of Milwaukee, Steve Ek, of West Allis, and Charles “Chip” (Sandi) Ek, of Racine; five grandchildren, Meghan Ek, Sam Ek, Alyssa Ek, Andrew Ek and Colin Ek; two sisters, Kathryn Bredemus, of Waunakee, and Mary Jacobs, of Gold Canyon, Arizona; brother-in-law, Charles (Ruth) Peterson, of Eau Claire; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Andrew Ek; and brothers-in-law, Robert Bredemus and James Peterson.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shell Lake, with the Rev. Ed Anderson officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Shell Lake. Pallbearers are Sam Ek, Andrew Ek, Jacob Peterson, James Peterson, Tim Bredemus and Andy Jacobs. Honorary pallbearers are Charlie Peterson, Tony Gulan and Joe Rounce. Friends may call from 9:30-11 a.m. Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
Skinner Funeral Homes (800-822-8535) is assisting the family.
www.skinnerfh.com
