Howard W. Eckhardt, 82

Blue Earth — Howard William Eckhardt, age 82, of Blue Earth, died Dec. 27, 2009, at Fairmont Medical Center in Fairmont.

Funeral services were held Dec. 31, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, with Rev. Stephen Bohling officiating. Burial followed in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Emerald Township. Patton Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Blue Earth, was in charge of the arrangements.

Howard William Eckhardt, son of William F. and Muriel (MacMurtrie) Eckhardt, was born on June 6, 1927 in Prescott Township, Faribault County. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Emerald Township, by Rev. W.E. Heidorn, where he served on the church cemetery board and as an usher. He was also active in the Walther League on local and district levels. He attended District 36 school in Prescott Township and graduated from Blue Earth High School in 1944. He attended Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato. He farmed and also worked at Carl’s Roller Rink in Blue Earth.

He married Wiletha Burch Rice on Sept. 9, 1956 at First Methodist Church in Wadena. They made their home and farmed in Prescott Township, where he served on the town board as a supervisor for 14 years. He retired in 1989 and continued to live on the farm, later moving to Blue Earth in 2003.

Survivors include his wife, Wiletha, of Blue Earth, two sons, William G. “Bill” Eckhardt and wife Mary, of Blue Earth, and David L. Eckhardt and wife Corrinne, of Blue Earth, five grandchildren, Sara (Kyle) Hauskins, of Blue Earth, Molly and Ellen Eckhardt, both of Blue Earth, Amy (Jim) Pearson-Paisley, of Clear Lake, Iowa and A. J. Pearson, of Fridley and a great-grandson, Branson Hauskins, of Blue Earth.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Web tributes may be left at www.pattonfh.com