Champion- Gerald "Jerry" Ekdahl, age 77, longtime Champion area resident, passed away on Tuesday August 16, 2022 at the Norlite Nursing Center in Marquette while in the loving care of his family and nursing home staff.

Jerry was born on March 13, 1945 in Chippewa Falls, WI, son of the late Walfred and Althea (Bruhn) Ekdahl. Jerry and his family moved to Baraga at a young age where he lived until he was 8 years old and they finally settled in Champion where he spent most of his childhood years and graduated with the Champion High School Class of 1963. He married Carol Plankey on April 4, 1964 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Champion.

He then went to work at the Republic Mine in 1964 as a mechanic. He retired from the Tilden Mine after 30 years of service in 1994 as a Pit Maintenance Foreman.

Jerry was a former member of the Champion Volunteer Fire Department where he held the title of Assistant Chief. After retirement Jerry and Carol wintered in Benson, AZ.  He played in the horseshoe league, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and taking drives in the woods. Most of all Jerry loved time spent with his great grandson Colton.

Jerry is survived by his daughter- Michele Irwin, brother- Bruce (Rose) Ekdahl, sister- Karla (Jim) Holm, sister-in-law- Mary (Marvin) Joki, granddaughter- Andrea (Chad) Glisson, great grandson- Colton Glisson, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife- Carol Ekdahl, sister- Sharon Jones, and son-in-law- Ken Irwin.

Jerry's family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00pm until 3:00pm on Sunday August 21, 2022 at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming. A Memorial service will be held at 3:00pm. A luncheon will follow at the Champion Township Fire Hall.

The Family would like to extend their most sincere thanks to Dr. Kroll and the staff at Norlite Nursing Center for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Jerry.

Jerry's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.