Howard John Ekblad

Howard John Ekblad, 80, of New Orleans, LA and Auburndale, FL passed away on February 20, 2024, in Auburndale. He was born on September 30, 1943, in Chicago IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard John Ekblad and Beulah Marguerite (Jacobson) Ekblad. After graduating from Morgan Park High School in Chicago, IL, Howard earned a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. He then volunteered with the United States Army and rose to the rank of Captain of the 30th Ordnance Company in South Korea. Although he was activated during the Vietnam War, Howard had many fond memories of his service. There he met his first wife, Chun Yop. He was honorably discharged in 1969. After his military service, Howard was encouraged by his Aunt Pearl to take a sales position in New Orleans, LA with the Library Bureau Company. Shortly after, he met his second wife, Ann, and they began raising a blended family of 3 children. In March of 1979, Howard started up his own library furnishings company, Library Interiors, Inc. and in 1990, expanded it into another successful operation, Library Interiors of Florida, Inc. A lifetime dream, Howard took flying lessons and achieved his private pilot’s license. Many years later, his children grown and having families of their own, Howard met his third wife, Judy. Proudly, with two of his children involved in the business and with his dedicated assistant and comptroller of 43+years, Margaret, he was able to spend less time managing the business and more time traveling and enjoying life between New Orleans, LA and Auburndale, FL. Throughout his life, Howard had many interests and hobbies, starting with a complete restoration of a 1930 Ford Model “A” Sedan. The family frequently enjoyed riding in the car and being a part of the Model “A” Club, New Orleans Chapter. Boating and fishing with friends and family were very special pastimes for him too. From the ground and in the water, Howard also took to the skies and enjoyed flying his Cessna 210 for business and pleasure. All who knew him enjoyed his confident, amiable and humorous nature. Howard is survived by his former wife, Judy, and her 2 children Hank and Heather (Michael), daughter Christine (Michael), son Carl (Heather), adopted son Tim (Michelle), brother Bruce, sister Charlene (Ross), grandchildren Phaedra, Chloe, Charlotte, Clarissa, Eli, Lucia and Samuel, nephews Eric (Karen) and Andy, and many cousins. He also leaves behind long-time friends, Bill and Cathy, and a host of special friends at the American Legion Post 8 in Winter Haven, FL. If Howard were asked today to say something of his life, he would most likely have said “It was a great ride, and I would do it all over again!” He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life in Florida will be held on April 6th, 2024, at 3 p.m. at the American Legion, 300 Avenue M NW, Winter Haven, FL. There will also be a New Orleans Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Legion: https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Donate Update: New Orleans Celebration of Life will be held May 11th, 2024 from 2 to 5 PM at Messina's at the Terminal Address: 6001 Stars and Stripes Boulevard, New Orleans.