John Eckhoff

John Norman Eckhoff of Alma, Nebraska, was born September 10, 1924, on a farm ¼ mile south of the Zion Lutheran Church, near Macon, Nebraska. His parents were William and Ricka ( Bruns) Eckhoff. Norman died, Monday, March 5, 2018, at the Harlan County Hospital, Alma, Nebraska, at the age of 93 years, 5 months, and 25 days.

He was Baptized and confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church, Macon. Norman attended District 67 School south of Macon. He married Willalena Frerichs on October 19, 1947, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church south of Hildreth. To this union two daughters were born – Sharon K. and Gwenda.

Norman was a farmer and farmed on the homestead that was established by his grandfather. He and Willalena retired in 1986 and moved to Franklin. Norman was active in retirement, working for Franklin Elevator, City of Franklin and Moore Brothers. In 2010, Norman and Willalena moved to Alma, to retire again.

Norman belonged to the Minden Gun Club and was on the Blue Rock team and was a member of the Valley Gun Club of Franklin.

He was preceded in death by his parents – William and Ricka Eckhoff; and his sister – Leona Borgman. Norman is survived by his wife of over 70 years – Willalena of the home; daughters – Sharon K. and husband, Dennis Schluntz of Republican City, Nebraska, and Gwenda and husband, Darrel Westerbeck of Alma, Nebraska; four grandchildren – Debra and husband, Pat Waltemath of Kearney, Nebraska, Brenda and husband, Dwain Hudson of Elizabeth, Colorado, Dustin and wife, Michele Westerbeck of Kearney, Nebraska, and Amber and husband, Brinton Strohmyer of Gretna, Nebraska; seven great-grandchildren – Derek Waltemath, Eliza Hudson, Fletcher Westerbeck, Stanley Westerbeck, Hattie Westerbeck, Emmett Strohmyer and Olivia Strohmyer; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life service for J. Norman Eckhoff, will be (was) Friday, March 9, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., at the Zion Lutheran Church, rural Macon, Nebraska, with Pastors Baron and Nancy Cole officiating. Mrs. Eunice Adam will be (was) the church organist. Interment will be following (was after) the church service in the Greenwood Cemetery, Franklin, Nebraska. Visitation will be (was) Thursday, March 8, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska. Memorials for Norman Eckhoff are suggested to: Heartland Family Medical Clinic, Alma, Nebraska; Alma Fire Department; or Zion Lutheran Church, Macon, Nebraska. Online condolences can be left at: www.hutchinsfh.com. Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska, was in charge of arrangements.