Mark H. “Whitey” Ekstrand, 56, of Wabasha, Minn., died of ALS at his home on Sunday, June 10, 2012.

Mark was born July 25, 1955, in Wabasha, the son of Dr. LeRoy and Ludmila (Kazda) Ekstrand. He graduated from Wabasha High school in 1973 and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Winona State University. Mark worked as an EMT for the Austin Ambulance Service in Austin, Minn. and later worked for the Austin Medical Center as an ER Technician. He was diagnosed with ALS in December 2010, at which time he retired and moved back to Wabasha.

He was an avid fly fisherman and an accomplished golfer, winning the Coffee Mill Golf Club Championship and several golf tournaments. He especially loved the family gatherings and commiserating with his brothers and nieces and nephews.

Mark is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, LeRoy Ekstrand and Judith Whitehead, Tucson, Ariz., Jerre Ekstrand, Minneapolis, Peter and Kathy Ekstrand, Wabasha, Thomas Ekstrand, Wabasha; uncle, Dr. Richard (Florence) Ekstrand, St. Petersburg Beach, Fla.; nephews, Ehren (Jenny) Ekstrand, Mike (Jean) Wills, Eric Wills; nieces, Amy (Benji) Richardson, Anne Wills. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In accordance with Mark’s wishes no services will be held. His body will be cremated. A time of visitation and support will be held on Friday, June 15, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Abbott Funeral Home in Wabasha with a time to share remembrances at 7 p.m. A private interment will be held later at Riverview Cemetery in Wabasha. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the ALS Association, Minnesota Chapter, 333 N. Washington Ave., Suite 105, Minneapolis, MN 55401. The Abbott Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.abbottfh.com