Karl Anders Eklund

parsonage, to Rev. K. Bertil and Lois Eklund. He graduated from Deer River High School in

Minnesota in 1953. He attended North Park Junior College in Chicago, and then enlisted in the

United States Army in 1955. He spent most of his active duty assignment as a surgical

technician in Neubrucke, Germany. While overseas, he had the joy of meeting his “Swedish

family”, and spent most of his leave with them. He returned to Chicago and attended

Northwestern University, graduating in 1958.

He met Betty Lundquist in 1958 in Chicago, and they were married in March, 1960. Karl and

Betty moved to New Jersey, where he taught Math and Science at Montclair High School.

There they were joined by two children, Stephanie and Steve. Karl developed an interest in the

new field of computers, and they moved to Liverpool, NY, in 1967, where he worked at General

Electric, Crouse Hinds, and Honeywell. In 1980, he transferred to Phoenix, AZ, where Karl

helped establish the Honeywell-Bull Technical Assistance Center, where he often repeated his

favorite line- “Is the computer plugged in?”

Karl received his Masters degree in Adult Education, and after he retired from Honeywell he

worked for the Maricopa County Superior Court, developing the Child Support Program. He

was an active member of Gideon’s International, distributing countless Bibles and New

Testaments to hotels, schools, and hospitals. He served on multiple church boards.

Karl was fascinated by space, and volunteered at the Challenger Space Center in Peoria, AZ,

as a “Flight Director” for simulations and a tour guide for many years. His grandchildren loved

to be his “assistants” on his public missions.

He and Betty moved to Glencroft Independent Living in June, 2019. They faced many health

challenges together, which Karl met with his typical (quirky) sense of humor and resilience. He

was a good husband, a good father, and a good provider for his family. He loved God’s word,

especially John 3:17- “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but

to save the world through Him.”

Karl died at home, with his family at his side, on November 15, 2020. We thank Hospice of the

West for helping us to care for him at home, as was his wish. He is survived by his “beautiful,

beloved Betty”, his children Stephanie (Bruce), from Eagle River, AK, and Steve, from Hampton,

VA, his sisters Sylvia (Jim) Martins, Karen (Craig) Vote, Marge (Les) Eldeen, brother John (Liz),

four special grandchildren, many first cousins in Sweden, numerous nieces and nephews, and

countless friends.

There will be a private committal service at the National Military Cemetery next week.

In lieu of flowers, Karl’s family suggests donations to Gideon’s International or the Glencroft

Friendship Foundation.

Peace to his memory.