Irene Ekdom, Longtime Sioux Falls Resident, Remembered at 98
Irene E. Ekdom, a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Ava’s House, at the age of 98. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. Burial will take place at West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City, Iowa.
Early Life and Career
Born Irene Elizabeth Van Zanten on June 5, 1927, near Hawarden, Iowa, Irene grew up in the Alton/Orange City area. She possessed a talent for speed typing, which she utilized throughout her career in various secretarial positions.
Marriage and Family
Irene met her husband, Adrian, after his return from serving in World War II. They married in 1948 and initially lived in Des Moines while Adrian completed his business education. The couple then settled in Edgerton, Minnesota, where they raised their family.
Faith and Community Involvement
Irene was deeply involved in her faith and community. She was a member of Shalom Christian Reformed Church, serving as treasurer of a Bible league and sharing her gift of song in church choirs.
Retirement and Travel
Following their working years, Irene and Adrian enjoyed 20 years of retirement, wintering in Florida and Arizona. They as well traveled extensively, including a biking trip to the Netherlands and a journey to the Holy Land. They relocated to Sioux Falls in 1995 and enjoyed biking the trails in the tri-state area.
Family and Legacy
Irene is survived by her four children: Timothy Ekdom of Appleton, Wisconsin; Laurel (Glenn) Klamer Martin of Michigan; Byron (Sheri) Ekdom of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Derek Ekdom of Chicago, Illinois. She is also survived by five grandchildren – Melinda Moncada of Vicksburg, Michigan; Holly (Omer Toktay) Klamer of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Brett (Sophie) Klamer of Columbus, Ohio; Jessica (Elliot) De Wit of Visalia, California; and Dane (Ashton) Ekdom of Sioux Falls, South Dakota – and ten great-grandchildren: Josiah De Wit, Mateo Moncada, Alec Moncada, Emerson Ekdom, Leo Ekdom, Finn Ekdom, Ethan Toktay, Josie Toktay, Vera Klamer, and Lenora Klamer.
Memorials
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice or to the Luke Society in Irene’s memory.