Walter (Wally) Ekstrom, 79, a lifelong resident of the south suburbs, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in his Goodyear, Arizona home on December 18, 2019, losing his nearly 2-yr. long battle with cancer. Wally was born on March 29, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to Regner Ekstrom and Florence (Kester) Ekstrom and lived all his early years in Markham, IL with brothers Ronald (Pat) Ekstrom and Allan (Rosalinda)Ekstrom; and sisters Alice (Jim) Orth and Linda (John) Nelson. A graduate of Bremen High School, he attended South Suburban College before joining the US Army where he served in Greenland and was later stationed at Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista, Arizona, and where he developed a lifelong love of the Arizona desert.

He married his love and partner of 47 years Katherine (Grugett-Ivarson) in 1972. Their combined children include Cindy (Scott) Ivarson-Fallick, John "Butch" Ekstrom (deceased 2019), and Allison (Nelson) Ekstrom-Rich. Wally is also survived by his loving grandchildren Katelyn Fallick and Samuel Fallick. Wally was very close to and proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a constant presence in their lives and he was adored.

In 1972 Wally and brothers Ronald and Allan founded Raeco, Inc. a successful marketing company for Industrial and Environmental Instrumentation with sales throughout the Midwest, and representing international manufacturers of instrumentation. Over the years Raeco, Inc. had offices in South Holland, Chicago Heights, and Frankfort, IL, as well as Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin. Strong friendships and bonds were formed with their many employees, customers, and principles – worldwide. These relationships and lifelong friendships afforded Wally and Katherine many trips and experiences which they loved and greatly enriched their lives.

After retirement, Wally never slowed down. He continued consulting and selling for Raeco's new owners for several years, continued with Katherine the loving care of the Crete house and acreage, new projects, as well as helping family and neighbors with projects. He expanded his love of old cars – collecting, driving, reading about, discussing – enjoying the new found time to indulge in his love of cars. And purchase of a winter home in AZ was a dream come true. Always a contributor of his time he served on many community and church committees and well as professional organizations. His service and memberships included Chicago Heights Rotary, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Treasurer Steger Estates Fire Department, Board Member Cancer Support Center, Co-founder Crete Cruise Night, Cedar Lake Yacht Club, Officer A's R US Car Club. Words cannot express the loss of Wally Ekstrom to his family who he adored, and his many, many friends who he adored. Wally's love of life, infectious laughter and boundless enthusiasm will be remembered always. He knew no "strangers". All became friends. We know he is resting with our Lord, Jesus Christ… but we will miss him incredibly until we meet again.

Memorials can be directed to the Cancer Support Center, 2028 Elm Road, Homewood, IL 60430. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held later in 2020.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by SouthtownStar on Jan. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Ekstrom

17 Entries

Pearl Dapkus

January 4, 2020

Condolences to the entire family. I grew up across the street from the Ekstroms and now live by Wally in Beecher.

Cathy Baker Reque

January 3, 2020

My sincere condolences to the entire Ekstrom Family. He was one of the best and what a fitting written memorial to his life and legacy. I worked with Wally for many years and always brag that my time with RAECO was the best job with the best bosses and the best co-workers. I know he will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. My prayer for you all is that you cherish the memories until we all meet again someday. God Bless

Allan Ekstrom

January 3, 2020

My friend, my brother and my business partner. I will miss you but remembering all the good times helps to ease the pain of loosing a loved one.

Bonnie Hesla

January 3, 2020

I grew up a few houses down from the Ekstrom family but did not know Wally well at that time as he was older. I got to know him because he spends time in Goodyear, Arizona and that is where I live now. He always made Steve and I feel like he had known us for years and valued us as friends. He had a wonderful way with people and wanted everyone to have a good time. He was one of a kind and it was a joy to have known him.

January 3, 2020

We didn't know Wally well - but what we did know was we liked him very much!! Betty, Bill and Lance

Judy Demerath

January 2, 2020

I will never forget Wally grew up with him as a kid,he lived three house down from me on Millard st in Markham,so knew him well with all the exciting things that kids do,haven't seen him in years but so sad to have lost some one as fun an nice as Wally..may you Rest In Peace my friend

Jon Lisota

January 2, 2020

Remembering the time on a Model A trip. Wally's car kept dying. We had installed a electric shutoff valve for the gas. He had a exhaust less and it was vaporizing the gas in the the line. We pulled over and removed the valve. Then when he was distracted we pretended to throw the valve into a farmers field. Oh, he got so flustered. We all had a good laugh and on our way we went. Will miss those great times.
Yvonne and Jon.

Cheryl (Steinmetz) Carlson

January 2, 2020

I have known Wally my whole life. He was very much a part of the Steinmetz family. He was the brother Bob never had. What a fun, loving and caring person and I am honored to have known him. You will be missed Wally.

Phyllis Stevens

January 2, 2020

I am very lucky to have known him and spend time with him on the car trips and AZ. He was strong, loving and I believe a good friend. My heart goes out to Kay and his family.

Marlene Krygowski

January 2, 2020

Wally has been part of my life since a ballet class I took with his sister, Alice. That was 1944. Every encounter with Wally was an event. His love of life was contagious. He was just a great guy.

Marlene Krygowski

January 2, 2020

Wally has been part of my life since a ballet class I took with his sister, Alice. That was 1944. Every encounter with Wally was an event. His love of life was contagious. He was just a great guy.

Marlene Krygowski

January 2, 2020

Wally has been part of my life since a ballet class I took with his sister, Alice. That was 1944. Every encounter with Wally was an event. His love of life was contagious. He was just a great guy.

January 2, 2020

My sympathy goes out to Katherine, and the many friends that Wally touch in his time here with us. Although we didn't "get together" socially as often as I would have liked, the special annual dinners with the "Gang" here in southwest Michigan were special, and highly anticipated. Wally was a man that affected all that came in contact. He is already missed...

Jack Park

Jerry Baumgarten

January 1, 2020

I am truly saddened by the loss of an ole friend, Wally. My sincere sympathy to Kay and the family.
Wally had boundless energy and an engaging personality, he would tackle anything. I will truly miss him. His indomitable spirit lives within us.

Ron Ekstrom

January 1, 2020

We were blessed with some great times together and I cherish the memories.