Bruce Eckman

Bruce Robert Eckman, 75, passed away at his home surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer.

Bruce was born into the Plaistad family on January 18, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was one of 10 children. In 1958, he and his younger brother Terry were adopted by Robert and Lois (Grotta) Eckman of Rock Rapids, Iowa. At a young age Bruce was involved in Cub Scouts and 4H which would start his love for the outdoors. When he was getting ready to start 8th grade, the family moved to Dell Rapids, SD. Bruce was involved in track and football in high school.

Bruce married Sherry Hackett in September of 1970, the next year they welcomed their first daughter Michelle on May 13, 1971. Then on November 22, 1975, they welcomed twin girls, Patience and Charity. They went their separate ways in 1984 and a few short years later he met Debra Alvarado and her daughter Jamie. On June 30, 1989 Bruce and Debra were married at the Renner Park Gazebo surrounded by close friends and family. On May 17, 1990 they welcomed Robert Clyde Eckman into their family of three.

Bruce worked for Stone Container Inc for 26 years and when he left there did some odd jobs before retiring at the age of 62.

Bruce was an avid hobbyist and excelled at every endeavor that he chose to pursue. He was a proud member of the American Kennel Club, a Master Falconer with an eagle exception, he was a certified scuba diver, and a proud owner of multiple horses. Bruce loved to take yearly summer trips with the family to the Black Hills.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of almost 36 years, Debra, Renner, SD; his children: Michelle Bolin, Watertown, SD, Charity (Doug) Carpenter Columbus, OH, Patience (Richie) Blevins, Columbus, OH, Jamie Sterk, Sioux Falls, SD and Robert (Brittany) Eckman, Ponca, NE; his grandchildren: (Michelle) Dustin, Sean, Brionna, Chase, Charles, Tiara, Cherie, Tanner, Harmony; (Jamie) Damien, Gabriel, Matthias, Hazel, Hunter; (Robbie) Serenity and Kyla; and many great grandchildren; brother Terry Eckman, Pineville, MO; his sister DiAnne’s children Grace, Elizabeth and Elliot Mylott.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Robert Eckman and Lois Cook; stepfather Bill Cook; and his sister, DiAnne Mylott.

Please join the family for a celebration of life for Bruce on Sunday, July 13th from 12-4pm at 25781 Lyndale Rd. Renner, SD 57055. We will have light refreshments.

In respecting Bruce’s wishes, the family will not have a service or a burial. Rather, family will be taking his ashes to some of his favorite places.