Ray Otto Eck
June 19, 1943 ~ June 17, 2016
In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial in Ray’s memory.
Ray Eck, 72, Sioux Falls, died Friday, June 17, 2016, at Palisades Manor in Garretson, SD.
Family Visitation and Memorial Services will be at Church at the Gate, Sioux Falls, SD. The visitation will begin at 4:30pm, Tuesday, June 21, 2016. The Memorial services will begin at 7:05pm sharp. Private family committal will be in East Nidaros Lutheran Cemetery, rural Balitc, SD, on Wednesday June 22, 2016.
Ray O. Eck was born in Webster, SD on June 19, 1943, to Benedict and Crystal (Hutchins) Eck. He lived in Waubay, SD until 1945, when his family moved to Aberdeen, SD. In 1954 they moved to Igloo, SD. Ray graduated from Provo High School on 1961. He stayed in Igloo as a police officer for the ammunition dump. He attended technical school for T.V repair. He moved to California for a short time and served as a forest firefighter. In 1965 he owned and operated a soda fountain. In 1966, Ray married Thelma Coy and had two sons, Lynn and Terry. In March of 1974, he married Sharon Brende. They had one son, Jon. Ray worked for Tri-State Electric, Pam Oil, American Western, Carlisle Plastics, Get’N’ Go, and The Gas Stop.
Ray enjoyed playing softball, baseball, umpiring, bowling, golfing, fishing, calling bingo. He played softball as recently as 5 years ago, when he pitched the entire season for his son Jon’s church softball team. After retiring, Ray enjoyed playing dominos and pitch. He also loved calling bingo and playing bingo at the VFW in Sioux Falls. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren, “the twins” Nolan and Tenley, play softball and soccer. Ray’s health began declining in 2015. In July 2015, he became a resident of Palisades Healthcare in Garretson, SD.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife, Sharon (Brende) Eck, Sioux Falls; three sons, Jon (Jodi) Eck, Sioux Falls, Terry (Lynnette) Eck, Sioux Falls, and Lynn Eck, Sioux Falls; two step-daughters, Sue (Ron) Hood, Sioux Falls, and Lisa (Greg) Christenson, Brant Lake, SD; four grandchildren, Justin, Jereme, Nolan, & Tenley; and many cousins and close friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Benedict and Crystal (Hutchins) Eck.
sharon and family we were so sorry to hear of ray’s passing. May happy memories help you through this difficult time
Sending our love and thoughts to you all at this hard time! Luke, Cassandra, Layla, and Lily Hansen
Sharon, Jon and Family
We send our thoughts and prayers on Ray’s passing. We are thinking of you at this time of loss.
Jeff and Sarah Herbert
Jon & Jody and children, sorry for your loss. Your mom/grandmother and I worked together at Axtell Park. Sorry you have lost your dad, Jon, and grandpa, Nolan and Tenley. May you know and feel God’s love and grace during this difficult time.
Sharon Bultje, former secretary @ Axtell Park
Sharon and family–I was sorry to read that Ray had died. I know he had not been well, but it is never easy to lose someone. I hope your good memories will be of comfort in the days to come.
With Sympathy – Deb Sittig
So sorry Sue, He is at Peace.
Dear Sharon & family,
Sorry to read of Ray’s passing. Cherish the good memories. Thinking of you all at this time. Take care, Holly (Sittig) Swenson
Condolences to Sharon and family from the Provo High School Alumni Association. Ray will be missed at the reunions especially this year. Jim
Condolences to Sharon and family from the Provo High School Alumni Association. Ray will be missed at the reunions, especially this year.