Gary Eckholt

November 09, 1948 — September 01, 2024

Gary Eckholt

Service Details

Gary Eckholt
Ankeny, Iowa

Gary Eckholt, 75, passed away on September 1, 2024 in Des Moines, surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born on November 9, 1948 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Clair and Ann (Teeman) Eckholt.

Gary attended Washington High School in Sioux Falls until 1966, where he then enlisted in the Marine Corps until he was honorably discharged in 1970. While in the Marine Corps Gary was deployed to Vietnam from August 1968 to September 1969, as part of the VMFA334 squadron and served as an air frames mechanic.

After returning home from his tour in Vietnam, Gary married Beverly Snyders on February 6, 1971 and had five children. Gary worked as a Tool & Die instructor, first at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and then moved to Mason City, Iowa to begin the Tool & Die program at North Iowa Area Community College. He continued teaching at NIACC until his retirement in 2010.

During his retirement he enjoyed working on restoring several classic cars and serving as the President of the North Iowa Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America. He enjoyed spending time with his daughters and beloved granddaughters.

Gary is survived by his children Nathaniel Eckholt, Andrew Eckholt, Alyssa (Spencer) Elliott, and Leah (Joseph) Crawford; Son-in-Law Matt Wolff; Grandchildren, Reagan Elliott, Laramy Crawford and Baby Crawford on the way; other loving relatives and many special friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Wolff, his parents, Clair and Ann Eckholt, and his siblings, Janet, Kathy, and Jeff.

Family will greet guests on Monday, September 9th for a Celebration of Life from 5:00-7:00 pm, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. Private burial will take place at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, Gary’s family would ask that you make a donation to the VA of Central Iowa’s Community Living Center by calling (515) 699-5818

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