Rebecca Ekstedt

Rebecca  “Becky” Jo Ekstedt, 70, of North Branch, Minnesota, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, December 3, 2021 after a battle with Covid-19. Rebecca—Becky to those who knew her (never Mrs. Ekstedt)—was born on November 1, 1951 and married the love of her life, Carl Louis Ekstedt, on December 21, 1970.

As an Air Force wife, Becky joined her husband on many adventures, raising seven children and going wherever the Air Force sent them, including Alaska and Germany, before finally ending up in Minnesota where it all began. It was there that she was finally able to fulfill a nearly lifelong dream of raising collies, who eventually replaced her children in her home, if not in her heart.

Becky was a lifelong musician. She played the piano by ear, delighted her young children by playing the accordion, and sang whenever she got the chance. Whether through leading worship, singing special solos at church, or belting out praise songs in the middle of her kitchen, Becky blessed countless people with her voice.

Becky’s talents were many, among the most memorable being her determination to speak her mind. But what she was best at was loving her Lord and her family. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to seek the Lord and work hard at everything they did. And her hugs were even better than her lasagna, which is saying a lot!

Becky is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Muriel Crusan; her sisters Deborah Crusan and Maryanne Batcher; and her brothers, Joseph, David, and Jonathan Crusan. She is survived by her sisters, Sharon Crusan and Faith Chamberlain; her brothers, Paul and Timothy Crusan; her husband, Carl Ekstedt; her children, Michael Ekstedt, Elizabeth Johnson, Rebecca Gomez, Carl Ekstedt, Conan Ekstedt, Rachael Ekstedt, and Quentin Ekstedt; as well as 34 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, whom she cherished. She will be greatly missed by them and so many more who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Becky’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 17, 2021 at North Springs Church, 7868 Lake Dr., Lino Lakes.  Family will be greeting friends one hour prior to the service at the church.