Harvey "Bob" Eckert

Harvey Robert Eckert the son of Harvey and Mamie Larson Eckert was born on July 20, 1926 in Mallard, IA. He was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran in Mallard, IA. He went to school at Mallard and graduated in May of 1944. He was a pitcher at school and continued and advanced involvement in baseball. He was signed with the Yankees Northern League as their pitcher out of Grand Forks, ND. Harvey married Elvera Gade on January 4, 1948 in Emmetsburg, IA. Following their marriage, he farmed with his father. He continued farming until he retired. During this time, he had purebred Holstein cattle and showed at all area fairs. Involvement with the 4-H and his children was a regular summer activity. He also raised purebred greyhounds and leased them to many tracks to be run. Following his dogs to the races was a true joy for him. In 1987, Harvey and his wife retired to Spencer and began raising purebred Arabian horses. He loved to take his grandkids fishing, which they all enjoyed. A frequent game of cards you would often see them playing, with bridge being his favorite as well as many other card games. As the grandchildren grew up participating in many outdoor sports, he followed them faithfully. He was also an avid Hawkeye Fan. Harvey and his wife enjoyed their many winters in Mesa, AZ. Bob passed away at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, Iowa on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at the age of 82. Preceding his death were his parents, Harvey and Mamie (Larson) Eckert; a brother, Richard and three sisters: Iola Hartmann, Elmyra Bergman and Eugene Eckert. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Elvera of Spencer; one son, Larry Eckert of Phoenix, AZ; a daughter, Janice and her husband, Myron Kolander of Albert City, IA; three grandchildren: Kyle (Danielle) Kolander, Kari (Eric) McCrady and Kenny Kolander; a great grandson, Luke Koster; a sister, Ferne Schuller; sister-in-laws, Margaret Eckert and Frances Myklestad, along with many nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. SERVICES Funeral Services will be held at 10:30a.m.,Monday, September 15, 2008 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Spencer. OFFICIATING Pastor Mike Huebner VISITATION Visitation will begin after 2:00p.m., Sunday with the family present from 6:00-8:00p.m., Sunday eve. at the funeral home. MUSIC "How Great Thou Art" By Gary Klett "Just As I Am" "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" By The Congregation INTERMENT 1:00p.m., Monday Rush Lake Cemetery Rural Mallard, Iowa