David Ekstrand, born on July 5, 1936, was the youngest of four children born to Robert and Laurie (Larson) Ekstrand in St. Paul, Minnesota.

He passed away on November 23, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jon Ekstrand and Robert Ekstrand, sister Joy Lutzi, nephew Steve Ekstrand, and wife Mary K. St. John.

He is survived by nephews Phil Lutzi, Howard Ekstrand (Judy), nieces Barb Bartz (Charlie), Liz Lutzi (Bruce Sines), Peg Ekstrand (Dan Barnett), and Deb Ekstrand as well as a great nephew, two great nieces, one great-great niece and two great-great nephews. He is also survived by stepchildren Mary Jo Nelson, Cathryn Miller (David), Russell Nelson, Juli St. John, and Holly Sweeney (Steve), in addition to four step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. He will also be dearly missed by his special friend Jackie Cosgrove.

David served in the Army National Guard for six years from 1958-1964. He was a teacher of mathematics at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights. He also worked as an assistant to the director of athletics at the University of Minnesota where he managed the academic and tutoring program for scholarship athletes. He and his wife, Mary K., were loyal Gopher fans who enjoyed season tickets for football and basketball. He will be remembered for his quick smile and corny sense of humor, jokes, and puns that always lightened people's day.

He and Mary K. married on July 13, 1991, and had 28 very happy years together before her death in 2019. They enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Arizona, cheering for their beloved Gophers, and spending time with family.

His family is grateful for the loving care and assistance he received at Lilydale Senior Living and the professionals at Health Partners Hospice.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Johnson Peterson Funeral Home, 612 Smith Avenue South, St. Paul, Minnesota.  The visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m. A private family burial will take place in the spring.  Memorials may be given to St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, or the Golden Gopher Fund. Arrangements made by Johnson Peterson Funeral Home.