Obituary: Arthur Eckman

Arthur 'Art' Johnnie Eckman, 82, Jamestown, N.D., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Sanford Palliative Care in Fargo. Art was born June 18, 1936 to John and Elsie (Klein) Eckman in Steele, N.D. He grew up and worked on the family farm near Napoleon, N.D. He joined the military in 1957. He was stationed overseas in Germany. While in Germany he met and fell in love with Jolanda Fischer.

They were married on July 15, 1959 in Augsburg, Germany. They returned to the United States and lived in Jamestown, where they raised their family. Art worked as a mechanic for Don Wilhelm until he opened his own business, Eckman's Auto Service, on April 1, 1968. He was proud of the business they built and dedicated to providing great service to his customers, friends and family for over 50 years.

Art will be fondly remembered and missed by his wife of 59 years, Jolanda, five children: Jeanette (Tommy) Munson of New Rockford; Evelyn Eckman of Fargo; Steve (Dorreen) Eckman of Jamestown; Anita (Jason) Koranda of West Fargo, N.D.; and Angela (Mike) Ebensteiner of Fargo. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by two brothers: Rueben (Lorraine) Eckman of Broadview, Mont., and Bob (Ramona) Eckman of Jamestown. As well, he is survived by three sisters: Mary (Mike) Schmitt of Manchester, Mich; Vicki (Tony) Schmitt of Mason City, Iowa; and Donna (Tom) Schneider of Fargo and sister-in-law, Aggie Eckman of West Fargo.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Benny Vetsch, brothers Jim Eckman and Billie Vetsch.

Visitation with a prayer service to follow was on Monday, June 10, 2019 at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown. The funeral service was 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 11 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Jamestown, with Pastor James Naumann officiating. Burial was in Highland Home Cemetery.

Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown, N.D. in care of arrangements.