John E. Eklund

John E. Eklund, age 78, of Waterville and formerly of Fostoria, died August 16, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Maumee. He was born October 27, 1943, in New York City to the late Carl and Jane “Betty” (Lentz) Eklund. John attended the University of Connecticut and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Kent State University after his family relocated to the Cleveland area. He worked at the school radio station while at KSU, gaining a love for being on the air. John went on to work for Kmart stores for more than 30 years, a career that took him to Fostoria, Ohio, where he retired as a general manager. He later worked at Lowe’s in Findlay and satisfied his desire to work in radio, offering sports scores and commentary with WFIN in Findlay for several years.

In his free time, John enjoyed dabbling in photography and was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers. A great cook, known for his mouthwatering cheeseburgers, he also loved bacon, chocolate of any kind, watching the news, and talking politics. A private man with a dry wit, he will also be remembered for being “hysterical by accident”. John was often funny when he didn’t mean to be and not-so-funny when he was trying. The self-proclaimed “love machine”, John always put the needs of his family first, finding his greatest joy spending time with his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Brenda Eklund; children, Eric (Brendie) Yerkes, Emily (Stacey) Yerkes, and Ellie (Jeremy) Selders; grandchildren, Erica (Jordan) Yerkes, Kaylee (Dakotah) Burch, Aaron Yerkes, Ashley Selders, Gerrit Yerkes, and Sarah Nash; five great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jane (George) Howell and Kathryn Elizabeth (Jim) Froom. John was also preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Carl Eklund and grandson, Christopher Yerkes.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 4-7 p.m., Monday, August 22, 2022, in the Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, concluded with a sharing of bacon and Bud Light toast in John's honor. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 23, 2022 in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Roth Cemetery, Monclova Township.

Contributions in John’s name are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.