Allan Eckley

Allan Orlando Eckley, 90, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Friday, August 20, 2010, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He was born January 18, 1920, in Overly, North Dakota, the son of Olaf and Clara (Rude) Eckley. He grew up on the farm, attending school in Rolette, North Dakota. He moved to South Dakota where he worked as a farm hand near Sioux Falls. He joined the U.S. Army in October, 1941, serving in Company G, 105th infantry regiment, 27th division, and served in the Pacific during World War II. He earned a silver star as a sharpshooter.   He was wounded in battles on Saipan and Okinawa, receiving two purple hearts. As a result of his injuries he spent two years at the U.S. Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Following his service, he moved to Fergus Falls where he worked on the family farm. On May 13, 1951, he and Irene Kronemann were married at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, where they spent their entire married life.   Early in his career, Allan worked for the Gamble Farm Store, but retired from Genuine Trading Company in 1982 after 32 years. Allan was a member of the Elks, VFW, and DAV.  He was a charter member of the Y’s Folks, and a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he served on the council and the cemetery board.  He served on the City of Fergus Falls Child Services Board, as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, and was also an aide to the National Commander of the DAV.  He loved doing woodworking, gardening, and especially enjoyed time spent at their summer home on Jewett Lake. Preceding him in death were his parents; his son, Bruce Eckley; his brothers, Clinton, Robert, Millan  "Mike" and John; and sister, Marlys Franck. Survivors include his wife, Irene Eckley; a son, Greg (Judy) Eckley of Silverton, Oregon; a daughter, Janice (Rodney) Urtel of Mankato; special nephew Steven Kronemann of Fergus Falls; nine grandchildren: Jason (Erica) Bryan-Wegner, Brianna (Laurence) Farah, Scott Urtel, Chris (Laura) Urtel, Nels Urtel, Breck (Molly) Eckley, Carter Eckley, Alyssa Eckley, and Taylor Eckley; four great-grandchildren: Emma Urtel, Eliana Bryan-Wegner, Destiny Eckley and Amelia Urtel; his siblings: Myrtle Carlson, Eldora (Bob) Schreiber, Gary (Shirley) Eckley, and Pat (Jim) Johnson, all of Fergus Falls; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Service:  2 p.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2010, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Paul Nelson Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery in Fergus Falls Military participation: Fergus Falls DAV and VFW Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Memorials are preferred to the Fergus Falls Veterans Home, the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation, the Bethlehem Cemetery, or the Y’s Folks.