Frederick Ekstam

Frederick Ekstam, 73, of Rolla, died on January 24,2023 following a brief illness. He was born September 23, 1949, in Champaign, Illinois, to Roy and Margrete (Mitchell) Ekstam, who preceded him in death.

Fred lived for many years in Champaign, attending the public schools, graduating from Champaign High School in May of 1967, and earning both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric/Creative Writing and a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Illinois.  After moving to Rolla, Missouri, he earned another Master’s Degree in English Composition Studies from the University of Missouri/St. Louis.

He married Nena V. Thomas on July 24, 1993, just prior to moving to Rolla for her career. She survives.  He is also survived by two stepsons, three grandsons, two sisters, one niece, and one nephew.

Harboring a lifelong love for Language Arts Studies, Fred began his career teaching English Composition in 1997 at several community colleges in the Rolla area, eventually joining the Faculty at Missouri University of Science and Technology in September 2001. He retired from full-time teaching in 2015, choosing to teach part time in 2016 before finally retiring in December 2018. 

An avid and accomplished gardener, Fred annually planted and harvested a variety of vegetables, much to the delight of Nena and their friends.   Relatives and friends also enjoyed the craft beers brewed by Fred, a true Braumeister and a founding member of the Missouri Association of Serious Homebrewers (MASH), where he served as Secretary and later Vice President and then President. 

Fred valued friendship above all else. In lieu of flowers or contributions, Fred’s only wish is that friends meet with one another in appreciation for what friendship can bring to one’s life, preferably over a pint or two of good beer!