Ezekiel "Zeke" Ricker Dumke Jr. passed away peacefully in his home Saturday, April 14, 2018.
Zeke was born in 1923 in Ogden, Utah, to Dr. Ezekiel Ricker and Edna Wattis Dumke. He was educated in Roswell, New Mexico and graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute with a commission in the Cavalry. Later he ser¨ved with the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II and with the Army Reserve until 1960. He graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
Zeke married Katherine "Kay" Elizabeth White in 1951 and together they raised four children in Salt Lake City. Over the ensuing 67 years, their family continued to grow including 14 admiring grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, a devoted office staff and, in the last three years, his loving caretakers.
An adventurer at heart, Zeke challenged his wife and children to an array of hair-raising adventures—camping, flying, hiking, horseback riding, boating, traveling and exploring far off places. Most of all, he cherished the lifelong family memories made at Hebgen Lake and Lake Powell.
Kindness, curiosity and a deep respect for education and philanthropy were core values that guided Zeke's life. Through his stories, his example, the opportunities he provided, he encouraged his children and grandchildren to experience life with the same zeal and dedication to service. Success, as well as failure, honed his incredible persistence, which kept him moving forward toward achieving his goals.
Kay and Zeke enjoyed the simple beauties of the earth's vistas, arches, wildflowers, sunsets, and the colorful quiet of remote deserts and mountains. They also enjoyed partnering on community projects with the intention of leaving wherever you are "a little better than you found it".
An enthusiastic promoter of Utah tourism, Zeke founded Bullfrog Resort on Lake Powell. He was one of the founders and president of Western States Management, the University of Utah Hospital Foundation, the Salt Lake Rotary Foundation, Dumke Insurance Agency, Western States Thrift, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Utah and several mining companies. Along with his wife, Zeke co-founded the Katherine W. and Ezekiel R. Dumke Jr. Foundation in 1988. Zeke respected those he worked with, and in turn, earned their respect. He loved his country, his community, and the relationships he formed with those he collaborated with.
Zeke was proud of his pioneer forebears and was honored to build on their sacrifice and hard work. In turn, he became a trail-blazing visionary who saw a path forward where others did not. He brought houseboats to Lake Powell, the amphitheater to Red Butte, and tirelessly promoted the Bonneville Shoreline trail, Emigration Visitors district, Tracy Aviary and Fort Douglas Military Museum. He enjoyed collaborating to enhance the community and pushed those he worked with to expand their thinking in order to address the problems of today as well as the future.
Zeke is survived by his brother, Edmund W. Dumke (Carol Browning), as well as his adoring family Betsy Thornton (Scott), Claire Ryberg (Steve), Zeke Dumke III (Angela Smart), Andrea Manship (Michael), and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Dumke family wishes to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice for their assistance throughout the past two years as well as the compassionate care of "the ladies".
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tracy Aviary (589 E. 1300 S. 84105), Fort Douglas Military Museum (32 Potter St. 84113) or Red Butte Garden (300 W. Wakara Way 84108).
Memorial Services will be held Saturday, April 21 at 11 a.m. at The Garden Place - This is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 E. Sunnyside Ave. A gathering of friends and family will follow at the Salt Lake Country Club from 1-3 p.m.
Private interment and Military Funeral Honors at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
