Obituary

Gail J. Ek, age 85, of Kimball, died Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at home surrounded by the love of her family while under the care of hospice. A Celebration of Gail's Life will be held from 12:00-3:00 p.m. with a Remembrance Service at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Maine Prairie Township Hall. A private graveside service will take place at Maine Prairie Cemetery. Gail Jeanne Maki was born on June 17, 1939, in Superior, Wisconsin, to George and Linda (Aho) Maki. Gail graduated from Edison High School in Minneapolis before pursuing further education at St. Cloud Technical College. On April 30, 1960, Gail was united in marriage to Clarence Ek in Minneapolis. The newlyweds made their home in Minneapolis. Gail built a successful career at Honeywell, and Target Corporate office in Fridley, where she provided invaluable support to the president. In 1975, the Ek family relocated to Kimball, where Gail continued working various secretarial jobs, though her most treasured role remained that of a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Gail's life was rich with love and laughter. She was a member of the Pearl Lake Lake Association. Gail enjoyed gardening, bingo, reading, and pontoon rides on her beloved Pearl Lake brought her immense joy, but nothing delighted her more than spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters: Kris (Arnie) Gruenes of Richmond and Debbie (John) Allar of Kimball; her grandchildren: Brian (Kristen), Samantha, Dustin, Zachary (Kim), Hannah (Chris), Arnie Jr., Ashley, Andy, Meaghan, and Payton; great-grandchildren: Ethan, Nolan, Loretta, William, Lillian, Noah, Nathan, Levi, and one more in June; brother: Roland (MaryAnn) Maki; and nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Gail was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; children: Dean and Jean Anne; parents: George and Linda Maki; and father-in-law and mother-in-law Eric and Christina Ek. She will forever remain in our hearts, being a constant reminder of the beauty and kindness of her soul. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball. Obituary and Guestbook online at www.dingmannfuneral.com

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Services

Celebration of Life

Calendar
March
29

Maine Prairie Township Hall

7551 Dellwood Road, Kimball, MN 55353

12:00 - 3:00 pm

Remembrance Service

Calendar
March
29

Maine Prairie Township Hall

7551 Dellwood Road, Kimball, MN 55353

Starts at 1:30 pm

Gail Jeanne (Maki) Ek's Guestbook

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