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- [S927] Obituary.
Henry “Buck” Eckroth, 83, Mandan, died May 19, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He joins his buddy and grandson, “Brave Dave,” in heaven. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 24, at Spirit of Life Catholic Church, Mandan, with the Rev. Paul Becker as celebrant. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, with military honors provided by the VFW Post 707 and American Legion Post 40.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a parish vigil at 5 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
In his own words, Buck tells of his life: I was born Feb. 22, 1927, in Mandan, to George P. and Beatrice (Kautzman) Eckroth. Raised in Mandan, as long as I can remember, my life revolved around sports. I participated and lettered three years in football, basketball and track. I played on the Braves 1942 football co-championship team and was selected all state in basketball in 1945. Following high school graduation, I attended Jamestown College where I participated in football, basketball, track and baseball. I earned 12 letters, was a captain in both football and basketball and received all conference honors. I graduated from Jamestown College in the spring of 1945. My first coaching and teaching job was at Fessenden in 1949. I was called to military service from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War. Returning home, I married Nedra Neuenschwander in Fessenden on Aug. 19, 1953. My next teaching and coaching job was at Mott from 1953 to 1958. In the fall of 1958, I moved to Greybull, Wyo., and won a state football championship after which I was named Coach of the Year. In 1960, I was called back to active military duty with a Wyoming National Guard unit during the Berlin Crisis. I came to Bismarck and taught at St. Mary’s from 1963 to 1976. From there I went to work at the North Dakota Industrial School in administration. I worked at the Industrial School until I retired in 1991, having spent 40 years working with kids. Prior to and after retirement, I enjoyed working with the local American Legion Baseball committee for 20-plus years, during which time with excellent coaching and a run of very talented young men, Mandan Post 40 was the North Dakota Legion Baseball Capital of North Dakota, winning five state championships during the ’90s.
Buck was a huge sports fan, but first and foremost, a fan of his grandchildren. Even during his illness, no matter what, Buck had a need to attend their sporting events as long as he was physically able. To describe him in several words, Buck was supportive to his family, showed unconditional love, was a coach and mentor, and had great focus, determination and discipline. Buck led by example. He was very proud of his family as they were of him. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, Buck’s memories will live on through those who knew and loved him. He touched many lives and will not be forgotten.
Grateful to have shared his life is his wife of 56 years, Nedra Eckroth, Mandan; three daughters, M. Kim (Phil) Hanson, Stillwater, Minn., Karen (Randy) Huyck, Anoka, Minn., and Lora (Robert) Baker, Mandan; two sons, Thomas (Jan) Eckroth, Bismarck, and Michael (Lisa) Eckroth, Edina, Minn.; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Chris, Sara, Daniel, Nathan, Jessica, Lisa, Nick, Taylor, Isaac and Annika; two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Cole; one sister, Virginia (Bill) Boehm, Mandan; and two sisters-in-law, Polly Eckroth, Billings, Mont., and Bette Eckroth, Casper, Wyo.
Buck was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, “Brave Dave”; and two brothers, Gene and Pete Eckroth.
Go to www.weigelfuneral.com" target="_blank">http://www.weigelfuneral.com/">www.weigelfuneral.com to sign the online guest book and view flower and tribute photos.
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1927 - 2010 (83 years)