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As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
Philomena Mary Ekdahl, age 86 of Baraga, MI peacefully began her journey on Wednesday, May 6th, 2020 at The Lighthouse in Hancock, MI with her family at her side.
She was born December 1, 1933 in Assinins, MI daughter of James and Marcella (Shalifoe) Loonsfoot. She graduated from Flandreau Vocational Indian School in Sought Dakota in 1954 and went onto earn an Associate Degree. Philomena married Paul Ekdahl on November 28, 1956. She worked as a CHS clerk for KBIC for 20 years, retiring in 1995. At age 62 she received her cosmetology license and worked until she was 80.
She was a member of Most Holy Name of Jesus Church, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and served as a council member, and also a member of Ojibwa Seniors. She was an avid bowler for over 40 years, and loved traveling and bowling tournaments. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and her sons were her pride.
Surviving are her children, Gary (Kathleen) Loonsfoot of Baraga, James (Kathy) Ekdahl of Calumet, Ronald (Bonnie) Ekdahl of Midland, Everett Ekdahl of Baraga, Lyndon (Shelly) Ekdahl of L’Anse, Margaret Richards of Garden, MI; brother Kenneth Loonsfoot of Marquette, sister, Agatha (Michael) Cardinal of Assinins; and many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews..
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband Paul; son David Ekdahl; baby girl daughter; siblings, James Loonsfoot, Barbara Haalapa, Patricia Pillsbury, Lawrence Loonsfoot, Jean Aho, and Lois Aldred.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 13th from 11-1 p.m. at Most Holy Name of Jesus Church. A private family funeral mass will be at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Corey Litzner officiating. Burial will be in the Assinins Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Ojibwa Senior Center in Baraga. People will be asked to follow the social distancing recommendations of the CDC. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may sign Philomena’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com
