Rev. Wiert EEKHOFF

EEKHOFF, JOHNSON, EBELING, OSBORNE, NEYMEYER, MILLS

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/22/2015 at 14:35:29

March 26, 1917 --- January 7, 2010

Wiert Eekhoff, son of Peter H. and Marie (Johnson) Eekhoff, was born March 26, 1917 in Wright County, Iowa. He graduated from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1942 and McCormick Theological Seminary Chicago, Illinois in 1945. On August 7, 1940, Wiert married Esther Marie Ebeling in Rushmore, Minnesota. This union was blessed with two children: David and Elisabeth (Beth) Osborne. Wiert died January 7, 2010, at the age of 92. He was a resident of the Presbyterian Manor in Wichita, KS. Wiert was a man of great faith. As a minister of the Presbyterian Church, USA, he served congregations over five decades in South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Arizona, Nevada, California and Kansas. A significant part of his ministry was to Native American people, developing native congregations in Arizona, California and Nevada. He served on the staff of Cook Christian Training School in Tempe, AZ. Wiert was responsible for teaching classes in preaching and placement of lay students in church positions for gaining experience. His supervision of students took him to Alaska and throughout the Western United States.

Wiert often talked of his career in ministry in the following way: “I have had five calls to be a pastor, but after retirement, I had 16 appointments.” Remaining active until his death, he assisted in leading worship at the chapel of the Presbyterian Manor and conducted a weekly Bible Study for residents and staff.

Wiert was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 62 years, Esther; his brothers: Herman and Peter Eekhoff; and one grandson, Lance Osborne. He will be deeply missed by his son and daughter-in-law, David and Geraldine Eekhoff of Port Townsend, WA; his daughter and son-in-law, Stan and Beth Osborne of Wichita, KS; two sisters: Stella Neymeyer of Aplington, IA and Thelma Mills of Raymore, MO; eight grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren.

A service of remembrance and celebration will be held in Wiert’s honor at the chapel of the Presbyterian Manor on Friday, January 15, 2010 at 3 P.M., 4700 West 13th St. North, Wichita, KS.Memorial contributions are being designated to scholarships for Native American Theological Students at Cook School, Tempe, Az. Donations can be sent to: Rev. Wiert Eekhoff Memorial Fund; Central National Bank; 4838 West Central; Wichita, KS 67212. Private family inurnment will be held in Spring Grove Cemetery, Anthony, Kansas.Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, Inc., 602 E. Main St. ~ Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.

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