Don Eckert

Don Eckert, 98, formerly Ayr, ND died on September 14, 2023, at Bethany on University in Fargo, ND.

Donald Eckert was born on August 31, 1925, at Ayr, ND, to Robert and Flora (Hansen) Eckert. He attended school in Absaraka, Buffalo, and graduated from Ayr High School. He attended the Hanson Auto School in Fargo and started farming in 1943 after his father passed away.  Donald married Betty Lentz on December 29, 1945, in Valley City, ND. They lived on the original home place, homesteaded in 1880. Their marriage resulted in 2 children, Claudia and Dan.

Don was a member of the Ayr Trinity Lutheran Church and served several times on the church council. He was active in his community serving on several boards, leader for the Ayr 4H club, member of the Absaraka School Board, assessor for Empire Township, officer of Absaraka Telephone Company since 1959, member of Cass County School Officers Association, member of the school reorganization board in Cass County, served on A.S.C.S. County Committee Board, member of Red River Valley Fair Board and past president. In 1980, he was elected to Cass County Commission and served for 16 years.

As County commissioner, he served on various boards: Social Services, Lake Agassiz Regional council, Metro COG council, Cass County Weed board, Gang resistant board from Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and Dilworth. Don also served as chairman of the county commission, Assistant Cass County Park board, North Dakota district parole and probation board.

Don is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter Claudia (Don) DeJong and son Dan (Jessica) Eckert, five grandchildren, Jason (Kari) Eckert, Tanya (Luke) Kahl, Donovan (Lisa) DeJong, Ryan (Tina) DeJong, and Alyssa DeJong Fulton; eight great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Eckert, Pitch (Hailey) Stadheim, Faith Kahl, John Kahl, Isabelle Fulton, Caleb Fulton, Rylee DeJong and Trystan DeJong and two great great grandchildren, Charlotte and Rango Stadheim.

Don was preceded in death by a great grandson, Robbie Eckert; parents, Robert and Flora Eckert, a sister and a brother.

Visitation: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 from 5 to 7 PM at West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND

Funeral: Thursday, Sept. 21 at 11 AM at West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo.

Burial:  Buffalo Cemetery.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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