Susan Power Ekman, 89

With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Susan Power Ekman, 89, on Dec. 3, 2025, in Kalispell. 

Susan was born and raised in Aurora, Illinois, to parents Helen (Scherer) and Earl Power. After graduating from high school in Aurora, Susan attended and graduated from Beloit College in Wisconsin. While in Beloit, Susan pledged the Delta Gamma Sorority. After college, Susan met and married C. John Ekman. The two were married in a ceremony at her mother’s home in Aurora. 

Susan and John enjoyed many great adventures during their marriage, including traveling to far ends of the world. Part of their adventure was having two beloved sons, Steve and Craig. The family finally settled in Southern California — La Jolla, Palos Verdes and Westlake Village. 

Susan was a dental assistant and later managed the office of a dental practice. She was a huge supporter of Steve and Craig and their various sports and activities. And of course, the grandchildren in theirs as well. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren. 

An avid sports fan, Susan loved watching the LA-St. Louis-LA Rams, the LA Dodgers and the Montana Grizzlies. The Ekmans enjoyed entertaining and Susan always took pride in her home, her gardens and loved birds, especially her cardinals and hummingbirds. She always had numerous hummingbird feeders, which attracted more hummingbirds than you can imagine. It was a delight for all. 

Christmas was a special time at the Ekmans. Although not Swedish, Susan took the many recipes and guidance from John and his family in preparing Swedish meals. The favorite and most elaborate was the Swedish Smorgasbord on Christmas Eve. It was always a feast that the family enjoyed and looked forward to every year. A tradition that has continued on through her children. Holidays were festive and fun, with Christmas and all the decorations being a family favorite. 

Upon John’s retirement from Security Pacific Bank in LA, John and Susan began their grand adventure in Montana. They first resided on Swan Lake, where they built their "dream home," a Swedish-style log home. Many years were spent entertaining family and friends at the Lake. While in Swan Lake, Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer and, as a survivor, became quite involved in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure. John even joined her in her efforts and the races, and even wore pink in support. He was proud to be the husband of this wonderful woman, who was a role model for other survivors. Susan went on to become a two-time breast cancer survivor. 

Susan and John then moved to "town," Bigfork, where they loved golfing and entertaining at their home in Eagle Bend. Eventually, Susan and John moved to the community at Buffalo Hill Terrace in Kalispell. Again, making friends wherever they lived. They settled in nicely and this was home. 

Susan was preceded in death by her husband and sweetheart, C. John in August 2025. 

She is survived by her much-loved sons, Stephen (Lisa Polo) Ekman and Craig (Theresa) Ekman; her grandchildren, Aubrie (Mateusz) Malinowski, Hannah (Victoria) Ekman, Lyndsey (Devin) Brassfield and Jake (Holly) Ekman; and her great-grandchildren, Ella, Taylyn, Keenan and Harper. 

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Earl Power and her brother Scott Power. 

A family service will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in Susan’s memory to Susan G. Komen (komen.org) or to the Alzheimer’s Association (services.alz.org). Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.