Dean Alan Eckholt, 71

by Daily Inter Lake
| July 6, 2008 6:07 AM

Dean Alan Eckholt, 71, passed away Monday, June 30, 2008. Dean was born Oct. 14, 1936, in Herman, Minn., to Arnold J. and Beatrice (Klindworth) Eckholt.

He attended grade schools in North Dakota, graduating from St. Frances Academy in Hankinson.

In 1954, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska until his honorable discharge in 1956. After returning home, he attended Wahpeton Tech School.

Dean worked in Denver as a mason, and as a fertilizer salesman in Minnesota and Montana. In 1970, he joined his father in Eckholt's Feed and Grain in Colorado. He purchased the business from his father in 1978. Dean moved to Smithville, Tenn., in 1984, and started a cattle ranch. Because of ill health, he retired in 1994 and moved to Lakeside.

He enjoyed woodworking, travel, family and friends.

On Feb. 14, 1970, he married Carol Linrude, and together they raised two children, Kari and Thomas.

Dean was preceded in death by his father in 1989; and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, at the family home; a daughter, Kari and Kevin Mowrey, of Valley Ford, Calif.; son, Thomas and Joyce Eckholt, of Gainsville, Ga.; mother, Beatrice; sisters, Diana Shoults, Elaine and Ken Warden of New Mexico, Shirley Pankow, Sharon and Vince Greco of Colorado, and Carol Lingen of North Dakota; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Dean's life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 21, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church, U.S. 93, in Somers, with the Rev. Wayne Pris officiating. lnurnment will be at Conrad Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Diabetes Foundation, 3203 Third Ave. N., Suite 203, Billings, MT 59101; American Heart Association, 510 First Ave. N., Room 114, Great Falls, MT 59401; or Eidsvold Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 100, Somers, MT 59932.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for Dean's family. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to offer condolences and to sign Dean's guest book.