Edith Lystad Ekstrand

Ekstrand
Edith Amundson (Lystad)

A kind and gentle soul, passed away at age 87, on June 16, 2015. Preceded in death by first husband Roland Jack Lystad and parents Clarence and Edith Amundson. She will be greatly missed by husband Robert Ekstrand, twin sister Doris Matzke, of Crookston, daughter Cynthia (Field) Olson, stepchildren Howard (Judy) Ekstrand, Peggy Ekstrand (Dan Barnett) and Debi Ekstrand (Mike Larson); grandchildren Nikki Olson (Dustin Shallenberger), Brian Ekstrand (Erin Mackley), Melissa Ekstrand (Tony Eischens), and Samantha Larson; great-grandchildren Ethan Eischens and Edelynn Ekstrand.
A lifelong resident of St. Paul, Edith was a 1944 graduate of Monroe High School (where she met both of her future husbands). She then received a B.S. in Biology from Macalester College in 1948. She worked as a medical technologist for many years, first at Charles T. Miller Hospital and then at United Hospital. Although somewhat shy by nature, her warmth, intelligence and desire to be of service led her to be involved in many community activities. These included various offices in the St. Paul AAUW, PTA president, Macalester Alumni Association, deacon and longtime member of Edgcumbe Presbyterian Church, and two long-running bridge clubs. A special thank you to Dr. Heather Gantzer and to the staff at Friendship Village in Bloomington, for their expert and compassionate care. Memorial Service Tuesday, June 23rd at 11AM, with visitation starting at 9:30AM, at EDGCUMBE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 2149 Edgcumbe Rd, St. Paul. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Macalester College or the Alzheimer's Association.