Mark Allen Ekstrom's Obituary
Mark Ekstrom of Lakeland, Florida slipped into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 9th surrounded by family and friends.
Mark Ekstrom was born on May 26, 1958 in Indiana to parents Wayne and Ann Ekstrom. Mark grew up in Indiana and then Louisiana before settling in Lakeland, Florida where he met the love of his life, Juanita “Nita” Bass.
Mark and Nita were married on May 25, 1991, at Victory Church in Lakeland, Florida with Pastor Wayne Blackburn presiding. They had been married for 33 years at his passing.
Mark graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, but ultimately secured a position at the USDA where he took great pride in his work as an inspector for 33 years until his retirement in 2022.
Mark loved his church, Victory Church, and had the true heart of a servant. His friendly smile and welcoming spirit made him the perfect usher, and he took much pride in extending a hand of welcome to all every Sunday. He also had a passion for missions, and specifically, for serving on Victory’s annual Missions Trips. He served on an impressive 24 trips including to Honduras, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, and Ecuador, to name just a few.
Mark’s kind heart meant that he had many deep friendships in his Sunday School class, on the Usher team, in AdultPlus seniors, the Missions trip teams and several other groups.
He was preceded in death by His parents Wayne and Ann Ekstrom of Indiana, and a brother, Tom Ekstrom.
He is survived by wife, Juanita Ekstrom, of Lakeland, Florida and a brother, Steve Ekstrom, of Indianapolis, Indiana; plus numerous nieces, nephews, and special relationships with all of Nita’s family.
A Celebration Of Life service for Mark Ekstrom will take place on Tuesday, October 15 at 11am with Pastor Wayne Blackburn officiating at the Light Of Lights Chapel on the north campus of Victory Church at 1401 Griffin Rd. Lakeland, FL 33810. A time of public visitation will take place one hour before at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Victory Church “Mark Ekstrom Memorial Missions Fund” to continue impacting kids and families for Jesus around the world. You can give online at victorylakeland.org/give and designate gift as “Mark Ekstrom Memorial Missions Fund.”
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