Floyd Eklov

Floyd Leon Eklov, 96, passed away December 9, 2024 at Select Specialty Hospital in Des Moines.

Floyd was born May 26, 1928, in Story County, Iowa to Alfred and Inez (Ballard) Eklov. He met the love of his life, Darlene Clarkson, in high school. The couple married in 1948 and were blessed with three daughters and two sons. The high school sweethearts of 58 years enjoyed living in the Des Moines area for 55 years before moving to Redfield in 2003. Floyd started working for Rath Packing Company where he had been a truck driver for many years. Floyd retired from Rath in 1976 upon the plant closing as the plant superintendent. Floyd drove truck for Ruan until 1986, Milligan Brothers until 1990, and taught at DMACC for two years and worked as a Burlington Air Express driver until 1994. He was a lifelong gardener and did many woodworking projects throughout his life. Floyd managed a car wash in his retirement. He has always joked that he was busier during his retirement than his working years.

Floyd and Darlene enjoyed traveling together: Hawaii, Las Vegas, Florida, Alaska, and Arizona were some of the monumental vacations they took. Traveling was the excitement they had been looking forward to in retirement.

Floyd is survived by his daughters, Sandra Lint, Janese (Ted) Ketman and Marcia (Frank) Fees; son, Kevin (Tammy) Eklov; eleven grandchildren, Michael Lint (Teresa), Ryan Ketman, Jacquelyn Keller, Valerie (George) Yeager, Robert Eklov II, Cody (Whitney) Eklov, Matthew Deal, Jessica (Josh) Baldwin, Brandon Clark, Dustin Eklov, and Stephanie (Sam) Meissen; twenty four great-grandchildren, Jonathan (Jessica) Lint, William Keller, Taylor and Charlotte Yeager, Paige, Addison and Zoey Eklov, Eanna, Jameson, and Nolan Eklov, Jaden Deal, Braylynn, Kayleigh, and Baylee Baldwin, Kadyn, Dallas, and Austin Clark, Rylee and Kendrick Wilcox, Mila, and Shayne Eklov, Mason Eklov, Jaxson and Annabella Rose Meissen; and great-great-grandchild, Julia Lint; step great-grandchildren, Kaeden and Kenadee Meissen; step great-great-grandchildren, Cora, Daxton and Gianna Plotz; daughter-in-law, Kathy Eklov; brother, Dale (Nancy) Eklov; sister, Darlene Joyce (Tom) Lund; sister-in-law, Shirley Eklov; as well as a host of extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Darlene; son, Robert, two infant sons; great-grandson, Alex Yeager; brother, Daryl Eklov; and son-in-law, Donald “Mike” Lint.

The family will greet friends Monday, December 16, 2024 from 11 am to 12 pm with the funeral service to follow at 12 pm at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street in Des Moines. Floyd will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Darlene at Elm Grove Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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