I am the fifth child of Joe and Lynn's. Much like my father, I feel like I lived a charmed life as his daughter.
I danced on his feet, watched him get goofy and loved his humor. He was a man of strong faith and principles. He left many stories behind that help us focus on the blessing he was and we will hold him always in our hearts.
I first met Admiral Ekelund when I was a student at the Naval Postgraduate School in 1981/82. He handily beat me in tennis but was gracious in his victory over a much younger man. I remember seeing him, his wife and family in mass at San Carlos Cathedral. And I enjoyed touching base with him as he played golf at the Monterey Pines. He was always kind and gracious. A life well lived.
Admiral Ekelund was my CO on the USS Grayback SSG(574). As an Ensign on his first ship, I could not have had a better CO. He was a great mentor and teacher of the art of submarining. His tactical expertise was unmatched. He will always be a part of the submarine force for his "Ekelund Range". Above all he was a gracious and kind human being that served his country with distinction .