Jack Ekart Obituary

Jack Ekart, a lifelong resident of Chase County, died on July 6, 2025, in Imperial, Nebraska. Born in Imperial on December 20, 1927, to John and Opal (Ellsworth) Ekart, Jack spent his youth living up the creek northwest of the Kilpatrick Ranch.  After completing the 8th grade, Jack began working on the family farm and later proudly earned his GED in 1979. He was drafted in the final Chase County class to serve in World War II, entering the U.S. Army in 1946. He served in the Philippines, an experience that left him with a lifelong aversion to rice. Upon returning home, Jack resumed farming and later worked in construction, irrigation, and homebuilding. He ultimately served as Superintendent of Streets and Sanitation for the City of Imperial until his retirement in 1997.

Jack made countless contributions to his community, often quietly and without recognition. He was not a talker but a doer—someone who listened carefully and stepped in to help, often before being asked. Jack served for decades as a volunteer firefighter and was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, the VFW, Jaycees, Eagles, and Masons. His dedication to sustainability was recognized with a lifetime recycling award from the Nebraska Recycling Association. Jack met Dona June Harris in childhood, but it wasn’t until someone bet him she wouldn’t go out with him that he found the courage to ask. He was the big winner as they married at her parents’ home on May 23, 1948, and celebrated 77 years of marriage this past May.

Known for his quick wit and sly humor, Jack loved to tease—but always in good fun. He could take a joke as well as he gave one. An avid card player, he played everywhere from the monthly card party started in the 40s to John’s Pool Hall to the family’s annual 31 card game. He’d often begin by asking, “Now what are the rules?”—only to win handily and walk away with a pocketful of quarters. Jack also enjoyed bowling, golf, hunting, and fishing. He hunted everything from pheasants, turkey and geese to deer and elk, and he had no shortage of fish stories—if he didn’t tell them, one of his buddies surely would. He remained connected to the family farm throughout his life, especially enjoying time with his miniature donkeys. 

Travel was another of Jack’s passions. While many trips were inspired by Dona June, it was Jack who suggested Antarctica—a destination he proudly checked off his list. He visited six continents, with Alaska being another favorite. And no matter where he went, two things remained constant: his love for ice cream and chocolate, both enjoyed with equal enthusiasm, though he preferred to eat ice cream with a fork. 

Jack’s family includes his beloved wife, Dona June, and their three children, Dale Ekart (Anna), Kathy Schmitz, and Sonya Ekart (Ron Kallhoff); eleven grandchildren, Todd Ekart (Tami), Drew Ekart (survived by Melissa Wilson), Jill Wielgus (Anthony), Krynn Larsen (Sam), Sarah Ekart, Amy Ekart, Emily Ekart (Kyle Engel), Angela Olstad, Ginger Schmitz (David Altman), Garrett Kallhoff, and Will Kallhoff; and fourteen great- grandchildren, Alison, Faith, Boston, Eckley, Libby, Abby, Lauren, Nora, Amelia, Bella, Josie, Kendyl, Drew, and Griffin. Jack is also survived by sisters-in-law, Roma Jean Burtis and Peg Ekart, several nieces, a nephew, and many cousins.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ivan, and grandson, Drew.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10:30AM at Faith United Methodist Church in Imperial, NE, with Spenser Johnson & Melody Newman officiating.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.liewerfuneralhome.com

Memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s name to the Imperial Volunteer

Fire Department, Imperial Community Center, or the charity of your choice.