Neil E. Eckles, 84

Blue Earth – Neil Eckles, age 84, of Blue Earth passed away peacefully, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023 with his loving family by his side. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 3, at Hope United Methodist Church, Rev. Lee Miller officiated. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth. Online condolences can be left at www.pattonfh.com

Neil Eldon Eckles was born Dec. 29, 1938, in Blue Earth, to Eldon and Phyllis (Arrowwood) Eckles. He graduated from Blue Earth High School and then attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He enlisted in the Marine Corp after college and served for three years. After his Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corp, he returned to Blue Earth and began working at the Blue Earth Valley Telephone Company as the third-generation family business man. In 1972 he married the love of his life, Susan Stockey and they made their home in Blue Earth. In 1981 he become President/CEO of what is now Bevcomm until his retirement in 2003. He was always generous with his time serving on many community and non-profit boards in Blue Earth. He was a very humble man, always willing to give or lend a hand wherever needed. Although a man of few words, his sense of humor and storytelling always got people’s attention. He was always looking for a chance to go hunting or fishing, or travel with Susan to new places around the world but he especially loved spending time with his family.

Left to cherish such wonderful memories are his wife, Susan; son, Bill (Karrie); grandchildren, Faith Eckles and Landen Pederson; his sister, Gail Eckles; as well as many other extended family and close friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sandra Eckles; and infant grandson, Evan William Eckles.