Remembering Carl

On May 1, 2009, Carl Frederick Ekstrom passed away at his home, only yards from his family home where he was born 95 years earlier. He was the son of Swedish immigrants who arrived in Gresham in the 1900s along with a community of Swedish families that brought an ethic of hard work, strong faith and commitment to community. To be fair they drew straws to determine ownership of the available 20-acre parcels.

Carl attended Powell Valley Covenant Church where he met his wife Hilma Christina Beatrice Wilner. When Carl proposed to Hilma, he asked, “What do you think of the institution of marriage?” and she replied, “Every family should have one!” Like good farmers, their life together began on July 10th right between strawberry and raspberry season. So began a new family joined later by Don in 1950 and Jim in 1953.

They built a home next door to Carl’s parents and continued to farm. In the early years, they used horses for farming. Later, Carl purchased an Allis Chalmers tractor, which he used to do the main farm work until the early 80’s. The Allis Chalmers tractor known affectionately as his “girlfriend” remains on the farm today. Carl did not give up plowing until he was 89-90 years old and it became difficult to climb on the tractor.

In 1941, he enlisted in the US Air Corps and served in the 2nd Air Force in Spokane, WA and Colorado Springs, CO. His organizational skills made him an indispensable Technical Sergeant. In 1945, Carl was discharged from military service.

Carl worked for 30 years for the postal service as a rail way mail clerk to provide for his family. He worked the route from Portland to Baker, OR. The Post Office schedule allowed him time to develop his “hobby” – farming. Carl was an ambitious worker and had a good business sense. Carl continued to invest and improve the nursery business steadily over the years. Don Ekstrom now farms Ekstrom Nursery joined by a third generation of family farmers.

Carl invested in the community by serving in his local church, the Farm Bureau, the Powell Valley School Board and with the Salvation Army. He gave generously to the Salvation Army annual plant sale and enjoyed helping people.

Without a doubt, Carl did not spend very much time standing around. He was always busy doing something. He touched so many people through the years and the sparkle in his eye and spring in his step were a constant source of inspiration.

It is our greatest hope to continue Ekstrom Nursery honoring the rich history Carl has left. As his grandson so fittingly said, Grandpa gave us a “clean and respectable name, a name to be proud of.”