Richard Eckman, 88

Richard Eckman died Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at his Kimball home. He departed this world the same way he entered it: during a snowstorm on the farm he loved so dearly. He was 88.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 14, at Kimball Christian Church with Pastor Tom Kopp officiating. Burial will follow at Kimball Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., and from 10-11 a.m. Friday, both at the church.

Richard Louis Eckman was born Nov.  3, 1936, in Maine Prairie Township to Reuben and Ardis (Boire) Eckman. Richard lived his entire life on the family farm. Along with his family, Richard grew up as a member of Kimball Church of Christ, now Kimball Christian Church. He was a 1955 graduate of Kimball High School. He then furthered his education at the University of Minnesota, earning a Certificate in Agriculture, while still coming home to farm on the weekends. On March 25, 1960, Richard was united in marriage to Janet Stelton, and they were blessed with five children.

He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, Clearwater River Watershed District, Flying Farmers of America, and he contributed to the early days of Powder Ridge.

Richard was not just a farmer; he was a steward of the earth, an innovator in agriculture, and a devoted craftsman of life. He dedicated his days to dairy and crop farming, embodying a work ethic that was both grounded and inspiring. He was a mentor to many, steadfast, even-tempered, and always ready with a smile, a joke, or a song.

Richard was someone who worked hard and knew how to make life fun. His interests included making music in various forms, flying, producing sorghum and maple syrup, rockhounding, snow skiing, water skiing, motorcycling, and snowmobiling. He excelled at teaching others how to enjoy the things he loved.

His profound faith was the cornerstone of his life. Richard served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, and worship musician. He dedicated his life to the teachings of Jesus Christ, communicating his faith through example. He leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment to faith, family, and community.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Janet his wife of 52 years, sister Lois (and Kenneth) Wills, and sister-in-law Arlene Eckman.

He is survived by his beloved children Shari (and Ed) Goff of Maple Lake, Jed (and Gay Linn) Eckman of Bruce, S.D., Penny (and Robert) Blanchard of Kimball, Melissa (and Geff) Goodfellow of Bruce, S.D., and Faye (and Vern) Nelson of Cokato; grandchildren Adrienne (and Pete) Edmonson, Justin (and Jess) Goff, Erin (and Nate) Ehlert, Devin Goff, Dylan Eckman, Colton (and Christa) Eckman, Kylie (and Jesse) Horstman, Lane Blanchard, Weston Blanchard, Carl Blanchard, Jace Goodfellow, Cade Goodfellow, Chance Goodfellow, Jake (and Cora) Goodfellow, Carrie Nelson, Jubal Nelson, Reuben Nelson, JennyGrace Nelson; great-grandchildren Camden, Ashton, Amelia, Leonardo, and Adelle Edmonson, Ayden and Paisley Goff, AveryAnn, Jet, and Max Ehlert, and Madelinn Horstman; sweetheart Kittie Fenlason; sister Joanne (and Don) Olson; brother Robert Eckman; brother-in-law Joe Froehling; sister-in-law Betty Lou Hoeft; and many loved nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball.