Robert Eckdahl

Robert D. "Bob" Eckdahl, 48, of Craig died Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, at Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha.

He was born March 13, 1959, in Oakland. He was a 1977 graduate of Oakland-Craig High School. He married Patricia Burley on May 13, 1977, in Yankton, S.D. He served in the U.S. Army from 1977-82, when he was medically discharged. In 1984, he began working for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, where he earned the title "Ranger Bob."

He served with the Craig Volunteer Fire and Rescue and was a member of the Craig American Legion Post 127 where he served terms as post commander and adjutant, and the Wichita Veterans of Foreign Wars Men's Auxiliary.

Survivors include: his wife; three children, Amy (Mrs. Josh) Racchini of Rose Hill, Kan., Michael (and wife, Kim) of Warner Robins, Ga., and Robert of Olathe, Kan.; aunt, Elvera Eckdahl of Fremont; two brothers, Roy of Craig and Bill of Wichita, Kan.; three stepsisters, Kathy, Cindy and Jeanie; and eight grandchildren.

The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Evangelical Free Church in Oakland with the Revs. Scott D. Ross and Judy K. Hackworth officiating. Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. Wednesday at Pelan Funeral Home in Oakland with family receiving friends from 5-8 p.m. A prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue one hour prior to service time Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Craig Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Post 127.