DUNSTABLE – Jarl Robert “Bob” Ekstrom, 88, of Dunstable and formerly of Chelmsford, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Courville Community of Nashua after a period of declining health with his wife by his side. He was the beloved husband of Alice R. (Gustafson) Ekstrom to whom he had been married for 58 years.

He was born in Lancaster, MA the son of the late Jarl S. and Alma (Bengston) Ekstrom. He was a graduate of Lancaster High School, where he was one of 13 students in his graduating class. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Aviation from Boston University.

Robert was a WWII veteran serving in the US Army 1264th Engineer Combat Battalion.

Prior to his retirement, along with his wife, Bob was the owner and operator for 35 years of Chelmsford Service Center Corporation.

He was a member of the Chelmsford Kiwanis Club. He was also a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he established his love and faith in God.

Bob was an avid reader and also loved the outdoors downhill skiing, playing golf, and traveling. He especially loved the yearly trips with Alice to Maui. He held a private pilot’s license and enjoyed barnstorming across the country with Alice. Above all, he loved to spend time in the company of his family, from their family vacations on the beaches of Maine to the many years spent at Stratton Mountain Vermont.

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Glenda and Sean Sullivan of Chelmsford; his son and daughter-in-law, Jarl David and Diane Ekstrom of Hollis, NH; seven grandchildren, Ryan Sullivan of Rye, NH, Christopher Sullivan and his wife Monica of Malden, Daniel Sullivan of Chelmsford, Brandon Sullivan of Chelmsford, Lindsey Ekstrom of Pepperell, Jarl Jason Ekstrom and his wife Kami of Milford, NH, and Kendra Proulx and her husband Shawn of Pepperell; five great grandchildren, Addison Ekstrom, Alleena Ekstrom, Arianna Ekstrom, Sofie Proulx, Sage Proulx; a sister, Marjorie Josephson of Marion; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was also predeceased by five sisters.

It being his wish, there will be no visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Thursday, February 19th at 11 o’clock at Trinity Lutheran Church, 170 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s name to the Trinity Lutheran Church Senior Fund.