Robert Ekre

A funeral service for Robert Ekre, 93, of Dickinson, formerly of Beach, ND, will be 10:30 a. m. , Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Stevenson Funeral Home of Dickinson. Burial will follow in the Beach Cemetery. Visitation for Robert will be from 2:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m. , Monday, December 29, 2014 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a masonic service being held at 7:00 p. m. Robert passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014 at St. Luke’s Home in Dickinson. Robert Olaf Ekre was born August 16, 1921 in Beach, ND, the son of Stener and Ida (Nordin) Ekre. He grew up and began his school in rural country south of Beach at the Rocky Butte School; graduating from Golva High School in 1938. He attended one year at NDAC now NDSU in Fargo. He then began farming in 1940 south of Beach. On February 22, 1946, Robert and Dorothy Lazz were united in marriage. To this union two children were born: Karen and Harlan. Robert was instrumental in pioneering seed potato production in Golden Valley and his products were shipped to the Red River Valley as well as other areas in the US. He also pioneered in the development of no-till farming in response to what was seen as soil erosion. Robert was published in several farming publications on his no-till practices. A few awards he received included North Dakota State Potato King in 1963, Red River Valley Potato Growers Association Life Time Achievement Award for Contributions to and in Support of the North Dakota Potato Industry in 1985, and First Time Award for “Zero Till Farmer of the Year” by Manitoba/North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmers Association in 1987. Robert was a very active member of his community and served as a 4-H Leader. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Golden Valley County Hospital Association, member of First Lutheran Church Council in Beach, ND, Department of Agriculture ASC, Masonic Lodge with the Shiner and Scottish Rite, and the Elks. Robert is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Dickinson; children, Karen Elaine Zicarelli of Palo Alto, CA and Harlan Robert Ekre of Bloomington, MN; two grandchildren, Robin Zicarelli and Greg Zicarelli; and sister, Doris Hinman of Baker, MT. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stener and Ida Ekre; brothers, Sherman and Alan; and sister, Elsie Jones


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Burial Date: December 30, 2014
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Service: Tuesday: Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, ND