GIBBON

William "Bill" Eckert, 82, of Gibbon died Monday, August 24, 2015 at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2015 at St. Willibrord's Catholic Church in Gibbon with Father Jeff Horejsi celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Full Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the Winthrop Honor Guard. Visitation will be 4 – 7 p.m. Wednesday and from 7:30 – 10:00 a.m. Thursday at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in Gibbon.

William is survived by his wife, Joan Eckert of Gibbon; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary and Tim Dale, Teresa and Gary Black of Estelline, South Dakota; sons and daughters-in-law, James Eckert of Estelline, South Dakota, Steven and Kristi Eckert of Clayton, Wisconsin, Patrick and Deb Eckert of Rochester; grandchildren, Jenny (Matt), Jason, Justin (Amy), Jordan (Emily), Devin, Kendra, Alec, Claire, Alex, Michael; great grandchildren, Molly, James, Maci; sister, Mary Ludowese of Hutchinson; brothers and sister-in-law, George Eckert, Dr. Joseph and Elaine Eckert all of Mankato; many nieces; and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a daughter, Cathryn Eckert.

William James Eckert was born on November 25, 1932 in Gaylord to George and Catherine (Corcoran) Eckert. He served in the U.S. Army from October 19, 1954 to July 20, 1956. On October 20, 1956 he was united in marriage to Joan Zettel at St. Willibrord's Catholic Church in Gibbon. William farmed in Severance Township, Sibley County. He enjoyed farming, airplanes, collecting WWII memorabilia, and dogs. He was a member of St. Willibrord's Catholic Church in Gibbon. www.mvfh.org