Jill Eileen Petoske was born November 12, 1955 in Pierre, South Dakota, the daughter of Clarence and Arline (Nelson) Petoske of Midland. She grew to adulthood in the Midland area, attending grade school and graduating from Midland High School in 1974. She married Bob Eckert on June 22, 1974 in Midland. They made their home in Belvidere, South Dakota for several years. While living in Belvidere, Jill gave birth to their son, Rob Eckert, in 1977.
Jill began working at the Belvidere State Bank in Belvidere on June 1, 1979. She later transferred to the Belvidere State Bank in Kadoka, where she remained employed as it became the Badlands State Bank and then Bank West. She continued to work there for almost twenty-seven years, serving the needs of customers.
The family moved to Kadoka in 1988, where Bob and Jill continued to reside.
Jill’s life was all about love. She loved her family and friends in words and in deeds. God gifted her with a beautiful voice that she used to bring comfort and joy to many people, singing at weddings, funerals, and other special events. She cherished her family and friends and was loved by many who gave her comfort and support in her valiant fight against cancer.
Jill was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.
Jill is survived by her husband, Bob Eckert of Kadoka; her son Rob Eckert and Ayla Miller of Black Hawk; her parents Clarence and Arline Petoske of Midland; three sisters Barbara Jones and her husband Morris of Midland, Carol Snook and her husband Leland of Alton, Illinois, and Jody Block and Gary of Midland; one brother James Petoske and his wife Barbara of Midland; her mother-in-law Ann Eckert of Kadoka; and a brother-in-law John Eckert of Kadoka. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and close friends who loved her dearly.
Jill was preceded in death by her grandparents, Peter and Addie Petoske and Oliver and Edrie Nelson; and her father-in-law Harold Eckert.
Closed-casket visitation was held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., all at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 2, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Father Brian Sorenson and Father Ron Garry as celebrants.
Interment was in the Kadoka Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Friday, June 2, 2006 10:00 a.m.
Kadoka City Auditorium
Kadoka, South Dakota
CELEBRANTS
Father Brian Sorenson
Father Ron Garry
MUSIC
Barb Petoske – Pianist
Vocalists
Carrie Mentele – Jill Sheldon – Lori Petoske
READER
Jim Kujawa
USHERS
Rusty Olney – Jerry Willert
Keith Bonenberger – Jerry Magelky
PALLBEARERS
Jeff Jones – Pat Jones
Jon Jones – Ross Block
Kevin Petoske – Kory Petoske
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota
Guest Book
Family and Friends, Only God knows why some things happen. Jill was a special person to all who knew her. I will always remember going to the bank and Jill ready to help. She was truly a neat lady and her singing ability is sure to be remembered. Prayers to your family.
~ Scotty O'Bryan
Belvidere, SD (5/29/2006)
Sorry to hear about your Jill's death our prays are with you.
~ Harold and Ruth Eckert Foote
Bonesteel, SD (5/29/2006)
To Jill's family Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours today and everyday. She was a very beautiful young lady and will be missed by everyone. She is gone but not forgotten. Love Marilyn and families
~ Jim and Marilyn (Gillaspie) Hoyt
P.O. Box 106, Ft. Pierre, SD 57532-0106 (5/29/2006)
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Jill. What a wonderful Lady she was. She always had a smile and a "hello". Her voice was as beautiful as her soul. She is in heaven now teaching angels to sing and smiling down on you everyday in her own special way. We will all miss her dearly... but know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you face this sad time. God will lead you thru this "One Day at a Time".
~ Vera Boje & Jamie--Kristi & TJ Livermont
Kadoka, SD--St. Paul, MN--Piedmont, SD (5/29/2006)
I was so sorry to hear about Jill's passing. She was a wonderful person. Our sympathies are with your family.
~ Wayne and Janie Whidby
Kadoka, SD (5/29/2006)
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Jill. She was a wonderful person. I worked with Jill at the bank and I also lived with her during volleyball my senior year. I am so grateful for the time I got to spent with Jill. She will always have a special place in my heart. Our thoughts and prayer are with you all and may God be with you at this time.
~ Josh & Amanda Hodge (Elwood)
Casper, WY (5/29/2006)
I remember the first time I heard Jill sing, her voice was extraordinary beautiful, and her personality matched her voice. Once again the community is saddened to lose someone so precious, and who enriched so many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~ Justin and Joyce Wheeler
24208 Fairview Road, Philip, SD (5/29/2006)
There are no words one can say that will make the hurt go away, we will all miss Jill , her shinning eyes and beautiful smile and a heart that gave and gave and gave. God will take care of Jill, knowing that there is no suffering, crying or pain in heaven. She will be singing with the angels. Ours prayers are with you and your family. Remember to trust in Jesus he will carry you through one day at a time.
~ Jerry, Annie Stout and Family
21804 SD Hwy. 248, Kadoka, SD (5/29/2006)
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure Jill was welcomed into heaven with open arms. She will sing in God's choir and look down on you with no pain. May God bless you and help you through such a hard time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Kathy Larson
125 Boyson Raod #905, Hiawatha, IA 52233 (5/29/2006)
Bob & Family: I am so sorry for your loss. May God be especially close to you at this time. Beryl
~ Beryl (Addison) Geer
PO Box 2018, Gillette, WY 82817-2018 (5/29/2006)
Bob, Robbie & Family
My thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jill will be greatly missed. Teresa
~ Teresa Walker (Williams) & Family
Philip, SD (5/29/2006)
Bob & Robbie
Sorry to hear about Jill. My thoughts will be with both of you. Jill was a friend to everyone.
~ Steph Carlson
Rapid City, SD (5/29/2006)
An exceptional person, beautiful voice, courageous, and determined, would all be words that come to mind when thinking of Jill. Our common bond of cancer has given us a few laughs and also a few tears over the years. I will always admire Jill for her courage, determination, and dignity she carried w/ her as she battled cancer. Most of us can only hope to be half the person Jill was in her time here on earth. I will miss going into the bank and seeing her smiling face. Jill has been a great mentor to me and also a wonderful friend. Bob and Robbie my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
~ Jody Petras
Rapid City, SD (5/29/2006)
Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you, bob and Robbie.
~ Karen and Harvey Byrd and Lois Pettyjohn
Kadoka, SD (5/29/2006)
Jill was not only a special cousin, but a wonderful friend to everyone who came in contact with her. I have such wonderful memories of us growing up together and sharing the kinds of things that cousins usually do. I will miss her beautiful smile she gave so often to everyone. My prayers are with Bob, Robbie, and all the relatives.
~ Dena Merchen and Family
Powder Springs, GA (5/29/2006)
Bob, Robbie, and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Jill was an extraordinary woman, who will be greatly missed. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength during this time of need. Love, Tayta
~ Tayta West and Family
Philip, SD (5/29/2006)
What a beautiful, valiant & courageous example Jill set for us all. She passes the torch to each one of us to love deeper and speak sweeter, and Live Like We are Dying each and every day God grants us. Many has been the day she set the standard I will continue to try and live up to in my own battle with cancer. I shed tears for all Jill's family and many, many friends. As you gather together in the coming days I wish all of you the peace that passeth all understanding. We ask God to comfort and guide us through, give us strength to just carry on. Bob & Robbie, my heart goes out to you at this time. May God bless you with love & courage. Jill leaves such a legacy of love and friendship. We're all very blessed to have known her. Love, Coleen
~ Coleen McHolland & Family
Fallbrook, California (5/29/2006)
I took care of Jill in the Philip Hospital, she told me about her family and how proud she was of all you. She has touched so many lives and she will be very missed. "Heaven Has received another angel". May the lord be with you all at this time.
~ Krystal Noteboom
Philip, SD (5/29/2006)
Robbie & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you~
Darren, Tami, Trent & Karli
~ Darren Gress & Tami Hight
Buffalo, SD (5/29/2006)
.
~ Jane Brunson
Hermosa, SD 57744 (5/29/2006)