Gene Ekholm

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PHOENIX – Gene Ekholm, 77, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on January 30, 2019. He was the oldest identical twin son of Paul W. Ekholm and Mabel L. Abplanalp. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Susan Ekholm (Altamore), his son Collin Ekholm, his daughter Rose Ekholm Jenson, his twin Dene Ekholm, sisters Sharon Greene (Donald), Kay Westbrook (Larry), and four grandchildren Austin Ekholm and Leah, Anthony, and Wyatt Jenson. Gene was preceded in death by his oldest son, Ryan Ekholm, and brother Wally Ekholm. Gene was born in Goose Creek, Texas, on March 10, 1941. His family moved often (California, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, Sarnia Canada), and Florida where Gene graduated from Ft. Lauderdale High School. Gene and twin Dene were both All-County (Broward) baseball players and attended Upsala College in New Jersey on full baseball scholarships. Gene was a pitcher who threw five shutouts, played shortstop, and finished in the county’s top five for best batting averages. He was also the second-highest scorer on the basketball team. At Upsala (1959-1963) Gene excelled in sports, being the only one in the 100-year history of the college to win Athlete of The Year twice. He ran cross country and was the first Upsala Viking across the line in every race. He was the starting shortstop for very successful Upsala teams in 1961-1963. The Vikings won the Collegiate League in 1961 and the Middle Atlantic Conference in 1963. Gene was the MAC All-star Shortstop in 1963. But perhaps his best sport was basketball. Gene was the starting guard in 1961-1963 and set the school scoring record as a in 1963 with 492 points. He needed 3 points to set the record in his last game and scored 33. He averaged 20.5 points a game and was named to the New Jersey Allstate All-star team. Against Seton Hall Gene pumped in 26 points on 12 for 15 shooting and two free throws.Gene loved animals and always adopted rescue dogs that needed a home. He played Senior Softball on very good travelling teams from the Phoenix area that went on to win several national championships. He played in softball leagues in Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, and finally Sun Lakes and enjoyed the camaraderie offered on the softball diamond. A Memorial service will be held Monday, February 4, 2019 at 11am at Valley of the Sun Mortuary; 10940 E Chandler, Heights Rd. Chandler, AZ.