Visitation: Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-7 p.m., family present from 5-7 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Service: Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2022 at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Canton, SD
John Victor Eckert, age 84, died Friday, February 25, 2022 at Good Samaritan Society Canton. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2022 at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Canton, SD. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-7 p.m., family present from 5-7 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
John was born on May 21, 1937 in Winona, MN to John Vincent and Johanna (Bates) Eckert. He graduated from Central High School in Aberdeen, SD in 1955. He then attended Northern State College, earning a BS in 1968 and a MS in 1971. He married Elaine Joan “JoAnn” Oe (Stern) on May 26, 1959 in Aberdeen, SD.
John taught school in Houghton, SD and Wakpala, SD. He was an Elementary School Principal in Greenwood, SD, Pukwana, SD, Chamberlain, SD and Canton, SD. He also served as County Superintendent of Schools in Brule County, SD. He was a member and past president of the SD Association of Elementary School Principals and the School Administrators of South Dakota. He also belonged to the National Association of Elementary School Principals. He was selected as the 1989 South Dakota Outstanding Elementary School Principal.
He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, guns, cars, and camping.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, JoAnn; children: Mark Stern, Barbara Dupuy, Allyn Campbell, Marlene Schmidt, John Eckert, and William Eckert; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and numerous extended relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Keith A. Stern; brother, Ronald D. Eckert; and sisters, Janet Labesky and Margaret Donavan.
Thinking of all of you, he was such a good guy and will be missed by many…
Eckert family, I’m sorry for your loss. He was my grade school principal.
My deepest sympathy is being sent to the entire Eckert family. Mr. Eckert was my elementary school principal & I recall many fond memories from those days. God bless you all.
John I am sorry to read about the loss of your dad. Prayers to you and your family
JoAnn and Family –
I met John when he was Principal @ Pukwana, my wife Colleen was teaching there. Colleen enjoyed working w/John and respected his leadership. He supported his teachers which created an excellent working relationship. I pray for you during this time of grief.
Colleen died 13 April ’20.
Take Care, you will survive this time.
I am so sorry to read this. He was such a great guy. He will most definitely be missed. Treasure your memories and know there are so many of us that keep you in our thoughts and prayers/