August Gus Joseph Eckermann
March 4, 1933 — August 16, 2011
August "Gus" Joseph Eckermann was born on March 4, 1933, to August Jacob and Elizabeth (Heinzlmeir) Eckermann in Buck Grove, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter�s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa. He attended school in Defiance at St. Paul�s Catholic School.
After his schooling, he worked as a farm hand for his father and uncles. He joined the United States Army and served for eighteen months in Germany during the Korean War. He was married to Joyce Larson on July 20, 1953. After his discharge from service, they made their home in Nebraska where he worked as an insurance adjuster.
Gus was united in marriage to Lois Podey on April 26, 1970 in Missouri Valley, Iowa. The couple�s combined family included their children: Debbie, Tookie, John, Jeff, Terri, Randy, Tom, and Jason.
In December of 1975, Gus became a police officer for the City of Harlan. After four years, he became the manager of the Veteran�s Auditorium in Harlan. Gus retired on May 29, 1998 after twenty-two and a half years of working for the city.
He enjoyed winter trips to Arizona and Florida and liked golfing, fishing, hunting, and playing cards (especially winning).
Because of his failing health, Gus went to live with his son, Jason. It was at their residence that he died on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, having attained the age of seventy-eight years, five months, and twelve days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, brother Arthur, and sister Joan Eckermann.
Gus is survived by his children Debbie Martin of Sebastian, Florida, Tookie Smith also of Sebastian, John Rademacker of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jeff Rademacker and his wife Loretta also of Lincoln, Terri Greer of Omaha, Nebraska, Randy Rademacker and his wife Becky of Irwin, Iowa, Tom Eckermann of Omaha, and Jason Eckermann and his wife Michele of Harlan; twenty-three grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; brother Louis Eckermann and his wife Mildred of Omaha; sisters: Estelle Quinn of Defiance, Iowa, Jean and her husband Jim Skinner of Tacoma, Washington, Mary and her husband Vern Miller or Irwin, Iowa, Rosalie Wood of Madison, Wisconsin, and Linda Schnuettgen and her friend Harold Olsen of Denison, Iowa; other family members and friends.
Rev. Don Bruck celebrated the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 19, 2011 at St. Michael�s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Music was provided by John Rosman and Jan Rau. Serving as casket bearers were Darrin Petersen, Jason Moore, Tyler Jacobsen, Dave Monson, Andy Baldwin, and Scott Leinen. Military Rites were provided by Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 and Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 at the Harlan Cemetery
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After his schooling, he worked as a farm hand for his father and uncles. He joined the United States Army and served for eighteen months in Germany during the Korean War. He was married to Joyce Larson on July 20, 1953. After his discharge from service, they made their home in Nebraska where he worked as an insurance adjuster.
Gus was united in marriage to Lois Podey on April 26, 1970 in Missouri Valley, Iowa. The couple�s combined family included their children: Debbie, Tookie, John, Jeff, Terri, Randy, Tom, and Jason.
In December of 1975, Gus became a police officer for the City of Harlan. After four years, he became the manager of the Veteran�s Auditorium in Harlan. Gus retired on May 29, 1998 after twenty-two and a half years of working for the city.
He enjoyed winter trips to Arizona and Florida and liked golfing, fishing, hunting, and playing cards (especially winning).
Because of his failing health, Gus went to live with his son, Jason. It was at their residence that he died on Tuesday, August 16, 2011, having attained the age of seventy-eight years, five months, and twelve days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lois, brother Arthur, and sister Joan Eckermann.
Gus is survived by his children Debbie Martin of Sebastian, Florida, Tookie Smith also of Sebastian, John Rademacker of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jeff Rademacker and his wife Loretta also of Lincoln, Terri Greer of Omaha, Nebraska, Randy Rademacker and his wife Becky of Irwin, Iowa, Tom Eckermann of Omaha, and Jason Eckermann and his wife Michele of Harlan; twenty-three grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; brother Louis Eckermann and his wife Mildred of Omaha; sisters: Estelle Quinn of Defiance, Iowa, Jean and her husband Jim Skinner of Tacoma, Washington, Mary and her husband Vern Miller or Irwin, Iowa, Rosalie Wood of Madison, Wisconsin, and Linda Schnuettgen and her friend Harold Olsen of Denison, Iowa; other family members and friends.
Rev. Don Bruck celebrated the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, August 19, 2011 at St. Michael�s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Music was provided by John Rosman and Jan Rau. Serving as casket bearers were Darrin Petersen, Jason Moore, Tyler Jacobsen, Dave Monson, Andy Baldwin, and Scott Leinen. Military Rites were provided by Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 and Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 at the Harlan Cemetery
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