Jared J. Eklund

On June 12, 2022, Jared Joseph Eklund was taken from us in a tragic accident. His love of life was unparalleled, and the zeal with which he dedicated himself to friendship and family was extraordinary. He was known for his sense of humor and wit, his love of disc golf, sand volleyball, golf, and all sorts of yard games and outdoor activities, his grilling and smoking prowess, his quick-trigger dance moves, and his ability to make ordinary events exceptionally memorable for those around him. He was an avid member of his weekly trivia group, The Dude Abides, where he went undefeated in tie-breaking dance-offs. He was notorious for hosting an unforgettable birthday party each year that often served as a de facto reunion for his many groups of friends. Jared’s life leaves a wake of cherished memories held by all who were lucky enough to have met him.

Jared was born in Des Moines to David and Tamara Eklund on June 17, 1982. He graduated from Southeast Polk in 2000 and from UNI in 2004 with a Chemistry Marketing Degree. He met his wife, Laura, while playing sand volleyball at UNI, they were married in May 2006.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Laura (Trumm) Eklund; two amazing children, Max, 13, and Cobie, 10; his mother, Tamara Eklund; his siblings Amanda Eklund and Kyle Eklund (Mark); stepmother, Sherry Eklund and stepsiblings, Stacey Goodwin (Darby), Sarah Perkins (Charles), Sean Goodwin (Kristin), and Nicholas Goodwin; his grandmother, Beverly Eklund and grandfather Wally Bricker, as well as countless aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jared is preceded in death by his father David Eklund, grandfather, Max Eklund and grandmother, Lola Bricker.

Jared’s visitation will be at Hamilton’s Funeral Home (121 NW 60th Ave, Des Moines) on Sunday, June 26, 2022, from noon-4, prayer service at 3:30 pm. Celebration of Life will follow visitation, starting at 5pm at Benchwarmers (705 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny).

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation to a memorial fund, to be determined at a future date.

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