Eileen L. Ekebom

Eileen Inez (Lynch) Ekebom, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, in Muskego, Wisconsin. She was 81.

Eileen was born on September 26, 1943, in Deer Lodge, Montana. She was a graduate of both St. Mary's Academy and Powell County High School where she was a member of the swimming team and founding member of the pom pom squad. After attending Billings Business School she met and married Hugh Kimerly, also of Deer Lodge. After Hugh graduated from Montana State University they moved to Rockford, Illinois where they raised their two children, Kelly and Darren. They later divorced and Eileen married David Ekebom, with whom she had another son, Brett. She worked as an Executive Assistant for Coopers & Lybrand in Rockford retiring in 1998, and then worked for Estwing Manufacturing Company also in Rockford before retiring in 2013. She then relocated to Muskego, Wisconsin to be closer to her daughter Kelly and her daughter’s family. 

For most of her adult life, Eileen was devoted to helping Kelly and Ray care for their special needs daughter, Christine Wilson. She spent countless hours with Chris listening to music, watching DVDs and attending many concerts and live performing art events with her. Eileen provided much needed respite to Kelly and Ray. They are all three forever grateful and indebted for the love and care Eileen provided to Chris. 

Her number one pastime was her family and friends. She was very close to all of her children, grandchildren, siblings, and friends. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends whether it was hosting or attending a holiday gathering, meeting someone for breakfast or lunch or just having a cup of coffee. She also enjoyed her trips back to Montana to visit her siblings. 

Eileen was a voracious reader completing several books every week. She loved spending time at the library selecting the next titles to read. She also became a Green Bay Packer fan after her move to Wisconsin. Eileen spent many Sundays going to church in the morning and watching the Packers in the afternoon with family.

Eileen is survived by her daughter, Kelly (Ray) Wilson of New Berlin WI., her son Darren (Katie) Kimerly of Loves Park, IL., her son Brett (Michelle) Ekebom of Dover, FL and former husband, Hugh Kimerly of Helena, MT. She is also survived by several loving siblings including; Constance Perrin of Great Falls, MT., Michael Lynch of Helena, MT., Jacqueline Lynch of Missoula, MT., Dennis Lynch of Missoula, MT, and Terrance (Brenda) Lynch of Missoula, MT. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces, and several dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Ekebom; mother, Margaret Eileen (Estes) Lynch; father, John J. “Jack” Lynch; mother-in-law, Jean Ekebom; father-in-law, Eric Ekebom; sister-in-law, Norene Lynch; nephew, Todd Perrin.

A viewing for immediate family members will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral Home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her remains will be buried at the Scandinavian Cemetery in Rockford, Illinois later this spring at a day and time yet to be determined. 

There will also be an informal gathering and brief service to honor Eileen at the St. Thomas Cemetery, 409 Helmville Back Road, Helmville, MT. on May 25, 2025. All are welcome to pay their last respects.

Eileen lived her later life happy, carefree and healthy. She always had a smile on her face and was optimistic about the future. Her positive spirit was a gift she shared with, and was cherished by, her entire family.