David Eklund

David A. Eklund, better known as Super Dave, Chief, Pop, Hyeongbu and Appa, completed his mission. He came, he saw, he conquered. Dave is now celebrating with his wife Tae Sun and they're probably slow dancing to ‘Endless Love' (cue up Lionel Richie & Diana Ross).

For years, Dave battled health issues and, somehow, he'd overcome every obstacle. He'd recover, put on his signature polo shirt and head back to the job he loved, as a Branch Chief at the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center. When he wasn't taking care of business, he was spending time with family so he wouldn't miss a thing. Family was everything to him. They were holding Dave's hands and face, as he took his last breath on Earth and first breath in Heaven.

Dave was born in Detroit, as the first of 3 sons to David and Joan Eklund. His mother describes him as a beautiful baby who immediately looked like a football player. She says Dave was sweet and affectionate and, as he grew older, always had a ball in his hand. He'd constantly throw it around, even inside their house. "He broke many things!"

The Eklund Family moved to Cleveland - kicking off Dave's unwavering loyalty to the Cleveland Browns. He enjoyed football, baseball and picked up a job at McDonald's, where he developed a lifelong craving for strawberry shakes & apple pies. He eventually saved up enough money to buy a sports car, racking up adventures and speeding tickets.

After high school, he continued his quest for adventures. This time, however, in the form of assignments, promotions and awards. Dave spent 28 years in the U.S. Air Force in POL (Petroleum, Oils, Lubricants) enlisting in 1974 and retiring in 2002 as a Chief Master Sergeant. One of Dave's greatest honors was serving in the Middle East as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The military also gave him the opportunity to live in Okinawa, Japan; Del Rio, Texas; Fairbanks, Alaska and finally at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio. In the midst of all this, Dave found time to earn his Bachelor's Degree in Business at Wayland Baptist University.

With his military career behind him, Dave continued his passion for fuels in the civilian world working at Pond & Company and then the AF Civil Engineer Center at Lackland Air Force Base. At AFCEC, Dave led a team of more than 90 civil service and contractor employees, managing facility maintenance and repair projects at Department of Defense installations worldwide.

People wanted to know him, be like him and dress like him...literally. You know you've made it when 2 coworkers dress up like you on Halloween: collared shirt tucked in tight, glasses, cell phone hanging from the hip, coffee mug in hand and a smug smile. After Dave passed away, we found a thank you card from a young colleague who stated, "You are the person I hope to become like when I grow up."

Dave leaves behind a legacy: his children, Cindy Cieluch Ohman (Matt, Xander & Tae), Jessica Emmons (John-Austin, Luke & baby #2 due January 2018), Sandra Cieluch, David Eklund and Stacey Eklund. His parents, David & Joan Eklund, brother Steve Eklund (Terry, Rachel, Zac, Shiloh & William), sisters-in-law Chung Im Wiseman (Al), Jae In Kim (Kevin, Jonathan & Andrew) and brother-in-law In Kwan Hwang (Aggie) and faithful dog Parker. Those gone before him include his wife Tae Sun Eklund, middle brother Jeff Eklund and sister-in-law Chung Soon Lim.

In memory, you can make a donation to the San Antonio Animal Defense League or live by his motto, "I'm here for you!" Be there for someone. Pick up breakfast tacos for your office. Invite airmen to your home for the holidays, send roses to your wife and get on every ride with your kids at the amusement park. Do things the Dave way.

Dave's life celebration will be Thursday, June 15 at The Veranda, 1746 Lockhill Selma Road. San Antonio, TX 78213. Viewing is 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Funeral service is at 4:00 p.m, followed by a reception. Parking is limited, so please try to carpool. There's a rumor that Dave's secret deviled egg & cinnamon roll recipes will be handed out.

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