Alvena M. Buxcel was born February 17, 1912, on a farm in Hutchinson County near Olivet, South Dakota, to Thoedore and Christina (Frank) Buxcel.

As a child she moved with her parents to a farm in Mellette County near Stamford, South Dakota.  She grew up there and attended the Big White Rural School in that community.

She was united in marriage to Philip G. Eckert on September 8, 1928, at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

They made their home on the Eckert homestead in Jones County northwest of Okaton where they farmed and ranched all their married life.  After retiring in 1988, they continued to make their home on the farm-ranch.

Her husband, Philip Eckert, preceded her in death on December 18, 1993.

Alvena was confirmed at Friedens Lutheran Church of Stamford.  She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School for many years and was a Vacation Bible School teacher this past June.  She was active in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, made many quilts and homemade soap for World Relief, as well as quilts for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.  She was an avid gardener and was known for her famous cinnamon rolls.

Grateful for having shared her life are her son, Bill Eckert and his wife, Donna of Okaton; six daughters: Helen Oldenkamp of Omaha, Nebraska; Freda Peters and her husband, Olin, of Pierre; Ruth Foote and her husband, Harold, of Bonesteel; Lois Quatier and her husband, Roy, of Yankton; Phyllis Filler and her husband, Gary, of Pierre; 23 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; four brothers: Rueben Buxcel of Belvidere, Sam Buxcel of Hot Springs, Alfred Buxcel of Rapid City, and George Buxcel of Box Elder; two sisters, Rosa Masteller of Black Hawk and Clara Wolff of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Philip, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Marsha Peter Sander; a son-in-law, Lloyd Oldenkamp; her parents; five brothers, Albert Buxcel, Eltor Buxcel, and three brothers in infancy.

A memorial is established.

Services
Friday, July 14, 1995
11:00 a.m. (CT)
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
Midland, South Dakota

Officiating
Reverend Albert Kasten

Music
Karel Reiman - Organist
Congregational Hymns

Register Book Attendants
Carolyn Manke - Delores Peters

Ushers
Bill Manke - Robert Bork

Active Pallbearers
Duane Oldenkamp - Donald Oldenkamp
Ronald Peters - Marlowe Peters
Todd Quatier - Jeffrey Foote
Jason Foote - Gary Paul Schmitgen
Steven Filler

Honorary Pallbearers
All relatives and friends in attendance

Interment
St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota