Bernhart Eckhoff

Bernhart Eckhoff age 92 of Sibley, Iowa, died Friday, February 23, 2024 at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  

A funeral service will take place at 10:30 AM, Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley, with Pastor Tim Nappe, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Holman Township Cemetery of Sibley.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, February 28th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home in Sibley.

Bernhart (Bill) William Eckhoff was born August 14, 1931 near Henning, Minnesota, the son of Henry and Hilda (Klever) Eckhoff.  His childhood years were spent on a farm North of Melvin, Iowa.  After two years of high school in Ocheyedan, he worked on farms and also a carpenter.  

He was drafted into the United States Army in 1952 and served in Korea.  He received a medical discharge and went back to carpentry work until he retired.

Bernhart was united in marriage to Judy Jacobson on March 8, 1956.  They made their home in Sibley.  He and Judy went on different trips around the United States.  Judy went to the Lord in January of 2009.

He made miniature tractors and a threshing machine and hay press, which he showed at different threshing shows, until it got to be too much of a hassle.  He was a hobby farmer after retirement.  Bill was a member of the American Legion Post 324 and helped with many funerals.  He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served on the church council in the past and was an usher for many years.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching Nascar races on TV, and listening to Polka music.

He is survived by his children, Leonard, Cindy, and Rick; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; two sisters, Marlene Ferrel, and Loraine Vinger; one sister-in-law, Ramona Owen; and several nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judy; two brothers, Vernon and Lawrence, and one sister, Louise.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Bernhart Eckhoff, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.