Dorothy Jean Eckert was born on July 8, 1925 in Pettibone, North Dakota the daughter of Eugene and Anna (Bloomberg) Haynes. At the age of 4 her family moved to Glenwood City, Wisconsin. Life was difficult for her family and she began to work when she was 13 years old. On April 13, 1943 she was united in marriage to Lorne Kahl. He was in the army in the 32nd Armored Division and was deployed for World War II. A son Gary was born and a short time later Lorne became a war casualty at Normandy. Dorothy moved to Amery, Wisconsin where she later met and married Gordon Eckert on June 12, 1948 and together they had one daughter. They also helped raise three nieces Hazel, Judy and Nancy. She held several jobs during her life. She worked at the Amery Telephone Company, the Locker Plant, Electrocraft and also at Kroy Industries. Dorothy enjoyed crocheting, and later in life took art classes and became an accomplished painter. Dorothy was a very dedicated caregiver. Doing something for others was just a part of her life. Caring for her family, especially grandchildren and great grandchildren was always important to her. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church, the VFW Auxillary and participated in the Amery Ladies Dance Line Group. She and Gordy both belonged to bowling leagues over the years. Gardening, especially flowers was a joy of hers. She was well known for her ruffled sweet cucumber pickles. The past few years she has lived at the home of her daughter Teresa, but because of health issues has been at Willow Ridge Healthcare for several days. Dorothy died at Willow Ridge on Saturday evening March 19, 2011 at the age of 85 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Lorne Kahl, husband Gordon Eckert, Sister Beatrice; brothers: Harry, Arthur, Lynn, Richard and Earl. Left to mourn are her son Gary (Jeanne) Kahl; daughter Teresa (Larry) Soderberg; four grandchildren, five great grandchildren; Sister Annabelle Tulgren and nieces: Hazel Ann Lucht, Judy Caroon and Nancy Eckert Heskin. She also leaves special family friends: Karen Frank and her children Jeni, Sara and Greg as well as other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. from First Lutheran Church in Amery with Pastor Tim Bjorge officiating. Vocalists will be Clint & Ione Gjerde accompanied by Dennis Alfveby. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home and for the hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Amery Cemetery.