BLUE EARTH — James Matthew Ekse, D.D.S., age 76, of Blue Earth, died Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018, at United Hospital District in Blue Earth. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, with Rev. Jeanette J. Bidne officiating. Private family burial will be held at a later date.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018, at Patton Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 400 E. 14th St., Blue Earth, and one hour prior to services on Oct. 25, at the church.

Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.com

James Matthew Ekse was born Aug. 11, 1942, in Pipestone, Minn., to Jack and Helene Ekse. He began playing the piano at age 3. Music was his avocation, with piano being his main joy in life. He attended school in Ruthton, Minn., and graduated from high school in Russell, Minn., where he formed many close relationships and met his future wife, Ann Borcherding. The couple was united in marriage on June 25, 1966. Jim’s undergraduate work was done at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis.

During his student years, he played bass guitar in a rock band and was inducted into the Minnesota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He graduated from Dental School at the U of M in 1966 and began his career as a dentist with the U.S. Air Force stationed in San Antonio, Texas, where he and Ann lived for two years before his discharge from the service. It was then that they moved to Blue Earth and he began his own dental practice.

Jim spent many happy hours playing piano for the children of Trinity Lutheran Church, also playing keyboard for the Praise Band there. He was also a pilot, hunter, fisherman, ham radio operator, fire arms safety instructor, as well as a loving husband and father.

Jim is survived by his dear wife of 52 years, Ann; his sons, Jonas of Duluth, Minn., Jeremy and Darcy of Perham, Minn.; grandchildren, Hannah and Jack; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Blessed be his memory.

Memorials are preferred to UHD Hospice, 125 S. Main Street, Blue Earth, MN 56013.

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