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Kermit A. Ekstrom, age 70, of Almelund died Monday, December 20, 2010 at his farm.

Kermit was born on July 3, 1940 in Minneapolis to Anton and Mait (Martis) Ekstrom. In 1942 his family bought a farm near Almelund where Kermit was raised and attended school in North Branch graduating in 1958. Kermit started working on the family farm right out of high school and that became his life's work and passion. He married Ruth M. Stanton on September 24, 1966 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Almelund. Kermit and Ruth took over the family farm in 1975 and continued their dairy operation until 2002 when they decided to switch to beef farming. Kermit's life was spent on the farm he truly loved. He enjoyed visiting and talking with friends and neighbors and truly loved to talk to anybody. Kermit was a long time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He loved to work on his farm and later spending time with his grandchildren.

Kermit is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons, Keith (Julie) of Lanesboro and Steve (Lisa) of Maplewood; six grandchildren, Dylan, Isabelle, Carter, Ethan, Daniel and Nils. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 28, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Almelund with Rev. Brian Bergin officiating. Organist will be Pat Remer and serving as soloist will be Don Moyer. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, December 27, at Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch, and one hour prior to service at church on Tuesday. Private family interment at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch. Condolences maybe left at grandstrandfh.com.

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