John E. Eckert, better known as "Uncle John" to his family and friends, was born March 24, 1926, on the Eckert family farm southeast of Midland to John and Mary (Koerner) Eckert.

He grew up on the farm and attended the Liberty Rural School in that area prior to attending Midland High School where he graduated in 1944.

As a young man he worked with his parents on the farm and later he took over the operation of the farmily farm, which he continued to operate until the time of his death.

John was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in rural Midland, where he was baptized on April 25, 1926, and confirmed on June 23, 1940.  He also served as a member of the Lutheran Laymen League and had served in variuos capacities at the church.  John was an avid sports fan, enjoying baseball and basketball.  He had played amateur baseball and had coached kids' baseball and basketball teams in the Midland area.

Grateful for having shared his life are his two brothers, Melvin Eckert of Rapid City, and Milo Eckert of Pierre; four sisters: Edna Joy of Midland; Irene (Mrs. Wallace) Willoughby of Midland; Esther (Mrs. Maynard) Downen of Fairburn, South Dakota; and Vera (Mrs. Vito) Portanova of Camarillo, California; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Harold Eckert of Belvidere, South Dakota.

Services
Monday, April 13, 1992
2:00 p.m. (CDT)
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
Southeast of Midland, South Dakota

Officiating
Reverend Dennis McManus

Music
Karel Reiman - Organist
Mark Reiman - Vocalist

Ushers
Bill Eckert - Norman Buxcel

Active Pallbearers
Dave Hemmingson - John Eckert
Bob Eckert - Pete Eckert
Duane Eckert - Jeff Willoughby
Roger Downen - Tony Willoughby

Honorary Pallbearers
All relatives and friends in attendance

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