NEW HAMPTON - Donald W. Eckenrod, 82, New Hampton, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2002 at his home of natural causes.

Funeral Services were 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Hampton with Reverend David Bergstrom and Reverend Kevin Frey officiating. Edith Kolthoff was the organist and accompanied those in attendance singing "Rock of Ages" and "How Great Thou Art". Peter and Phyllis Willadsen were the vocalists singing "In The Garden". Cross bearers were Megan Hoy and Anna Eckenrod. Pall placers were Jami Inman, Alyssa Koenigs-feld, Leah Tolliver, Renee Weiss, Julie Burger, Emily Gebel, Sarah Meadows and Mary Louise Meadows.

Burial with military graveside rites was in the New Hampton Cemetery with Aaron Koenigsfeld, Justin Koenigsfeld, Ben Fleming, Scott Gebel, Gordon Davis Jr. and Daniel Davis serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers were Joe Glaser, Jim Dockendorf, Bob Eckenrod, Les Eckenrod, Kenny Eckenrod, Rich Eckenrod and Jerry Eckenrod. The New Hampton American Legion Fae Stine Post #38 conducted the military graveside rites.

Visitation was 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20 at Conway Funeral Home, New Hampton and an hour prior to services at the church.

Donald Wilbur Eckenrod was born Nov. 29, 1919, near Ionia, the son of Leonard and Cleo (Tucker) Eckenrod. He graduated from Nashua High School in 1937. After graduating from high school he worked as a lineman for the REC in the north central Iowa area. On Sept. 30, 1941, Don was inducted into the U.S. Army, where he served during WWlI in the Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged on Oct. 17, 1945. Following his discharge he moved back to Chickasaw County. On July 2, 1946 he was united in marriage to Pauline (Ehlert) at St. John's Lutheran Church, Stapleton. The couple lived on several farms in the area before purchasing an acreage northwest of New Hampton -in 1978, where they were currently residing. Besides farming Don worked for Great Plains as a carpenter from the early 60's to the mid 80's. He was a member of the Fae Stine American Legion Post #38 in New Hampton and Trinity Lutheran Church. After retirement he enjoyed driving tractor during harvest time, woodworking and playing cards.

Survivors include his wife, Pauline, New Hampton; four daughters, Beverly (Sid) Hoy, Davenport, Linda (Joe) Koenigsfeld., Ionia, Rhonda Fleming, Richland, WA, Sue (Doug) Wussow, Bourbonnnais, IL; th ree sons, Jim (Julie) Eckenrod, New Hampton, Craig (Alice) Eckenrod, Jessup, MD and Allen (Eileen) Eckenrod, Poulsbo, WA; 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Lou Haaker, Flippin, AR, Pat Schwartzkopf, Charles City and Shirley Eckenrod, Mus-kego, WI and five brothers, Bob Ecxenrod, Waterloo, Les Eckenrod, Nashua, Kenny Eckenrod, Waterloo, Rick Eckenrod, Charles City and Jerry Eckenrod, Belle Plaine.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a grandson, Eric and a great-grandson, Bryce.

Source: New Hampton Tribune; Jan. 22, 2002 Page 4
from Elma library collection assembled by Marian (Marr) McGee
Transcribed by ABBYY FineReader® 12, Adapted to the Web by Bill Waters