Emil Eckstein
October 25, 1919 ~ October 4, 2007
Served by: Luce, Luze & Reck Funeral Homes
Emil A. Eckstein, 87, of Highmore, died Thursday, October 4, 2007 at the Ft. Meade V.A. Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 10:30a.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at the United Methodist Church, Highmore with Rev. Martin Earl officiating. Burial was held at 1:00p.m. MDT Wednesday, October 10 at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis. Visitation was 4:30-7:00p.m., Monday, October 8 with a 7:00p.m. prayer service at Luze Funeral Home in Highmore.
Emil Andrew Eckstein was born October 25, 1919 on a farm in Union Township in Hyde County, SD to John and Rose (Menhart) Eckstein. Emil grew up in Hyde County and worked for various farmers and ranchers. In the thirties Emil thought he was “getting up in the world” when his wages increased to $1.25 per hour.
At the age of 22, on April 8, 1942, Emil entered the Army and was assigned to heavy artillery as a gunner. During World War II he spent 2 ½ years guarding the Panama Canal. He was honorably discharged from service on November 5, 1945. Following his return home he married Betty Davis on April 8, 1946. They made their home in Eden Township until they purchased Betty’s home place in the mid fifties. Their life together had a bumpy start as their crops were burned out the first year and hailed out the second year. Things could only get better from here. Together they survived and continued farming and ranching until 1975. Emil and Betty have been married for 61 years.
As a young man Emil played catcher for the North Hyde baseball team. Due to his competitive spirit, he and his friends were delighted when beating the opposing team. Emil served as the Clerk of Valley Township for 44 years. Throughout his entire life he enjoyed hunting, fishing, running trap lines and playing cards. Emil was a master at repair and could fix anything with bailing wire and a piece of twine. He also loved working with wood and made several items for his family and friends.
Emil is survived by his wife, Betty Eckstein of Highmore; four daughters: JaNean Ryan of Golden, Colorado; Shirley and (Jim) Marquette of Omaha, NE; Evelyn and (Johnny) Gluhm of White Sulphur Springs, MT; and Peggy Jo and (Scott) Koskie of Wellington, CO; six grandsons: Josh and (Melissa) Gluhm, Chad Gluhm, Matt and (Deanna) Marquette, Rob Ryan, Steve Ryan, and Justin Koskie; four great-grandchildren: Jaleigh, Brandon, and Aidan Gluhm, and Nathan Marquette.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Eckstein, and one son-in-law, Bruce Ryan.
Funeral services were held at 10:30a.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at the United Methodist Church, Highmore with Rev. Martin Earl officiating. Burial was held at 1:00p.m. MDT Wednesday, October 10 at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis. Visitation was 4:30-7:00p.m., Monday, October 8 with a 7:00p.m. prayer service at Luze Funeral Home in Highmore.
Emil Andrew Eckstein was born October 25, 1919 on a farm in Union Township in Hyde County, SD to John and Rose (Menhart) Eckstein. Emil grew up in Hyde County and worked for various farmers and ranchers. In the thirties Emil thought he was “getting up in the world” when his wages increased to $1.25 per hour.
At the age of 22, on April 8, 1942, Emil entered the Army and was assigned to heavy artillery as a gunner. During World War II he spent 2 ½ years guarding the Panama Canal. He was honorably discharged from service on November 5, 1945. Following his return home he married Betty Davis on April 8, 1946. They made their home in Eden Township until they purchased Betty’s home place in the mid fifties. Their life together had a bumpy start as their crops were burned out the first year and hailed out the second year. Things could only get better from here. Together they survived and continued farming and ranching until 1975. Emil and Betty have been married for 61 years.
As a young man Emil played catcher for the North Hyde baseball team. Due to his competitive spirit, he and his friends were delighted when beating the opposing team. Emil served as the Clerk of Valley Township for 44 years. Throughout his entire life he enjoyed hunting, fishing, running trap lines and playing cards. Emil was a master at repair and could fix anything with bailing wire and a piece of twine. He also loved working with wood and made several items for his family and friends.
Emil is survived by his wife, Betty Eckstein of Highmore; four daughters: JaNean Ryan of Golden, Colorado; Shirley and (Jim) Marquette of Omaha, NE; Evelyn and (Johnny) Gluhm of White Sulphur Springs, MT; and Peggy Jo and (Scott) Koskie of Wellington, CO; six grandsons: Josh and (Melissa) Gluhm, Chad Gluhm, Matt and (Deanna) Marquette, Rob Ryan, Steve Ryan, and Justin Koskie; four great-grandchildren: Jaleigh, Brandon, and Aidan Gluhm, and Nathan Marquette.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rose Eckstein, and one son-in-law, Bruce Ryan.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dear Peggy and Scott:
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Father.
I remember all the great stories you used to tell us about your visits up home. He was a wonderful man. Within YOU, his spirit is still alive.
Call us when you get a chance. We would love to hear from you.
Love,
Stan and Sharie Rhodes
(719) 275-5465
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I have known Peggy for several years and can only imagine what a wonderful man Mr. Eckstein must have been to have raised such a sweetheart as she is. Your family is in my heart and prayers.
Clarise Corriveau
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. With talking with Peggy Jo, she passed on the fact that he had enjoyed a full life, but was suffering from health issues. My condolences…..Gail
Peggy, Scott, and Justin –
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the memories of your Father’s life be your true blessing.
Much love,
Sherri
Please accept our sincere sympathy in the death of your husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa. May your memories bring a smile and comfort to you during this difficult time. God Bless.
Suzanne,Lanny,Megan,Alex Hoffmeyer
(friends of Peggy)
Dear Peggy, Scott and Justin – I was so sorry to hear of the death of your Dad. It leaves such a hole in your heart. Then I read the obit and I sure enjoyed reading about him. From all Peggy has said over the years he just came alive again in my memory. He was quite a character and I couldn’t help but smile when I read about his life and his family. Rest assured his physical pain is over and he is watching over all of you. And as you remember that you can’t help but have a smile on your face. I wish you all peaceful and wonderful memories. Barb Rankin
May your memories of Emil; your Husband,and your Father bring you comfort and peace of heart. Now and through the days ahead. In every message of comfort, in every word of concern, in every expession of love, may you feel the compassion and caring of a faithful Heavenly Father who knows your every need and will continue to sustain you through this time of deepest sorrow.
Our Sympathy to all the Family…
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. May God’s comfort, His joy, and His peace be yours. I am praying that God will wrap His loving arms around you and your family and comfort you as only He can.
Love You,
Naomi Halliburton
Peggy,
You and your family our in my prayers.