Sherney Orville Ecklund

Sherney O. Ecklund Jr., age 84, of Willmar, passed away Friday morning, August 16, at his residence under hospice care.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, at Redeemer Lutheran Church.  Interment will be at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Sherney was born on February 29, 1940, in Fargo, North Dakota, the son of Sherney Sr. and Lois (Herlund) Ecklund.  He grew up and received his education in Fargo.  He then moved to Los Angeles for a short period of time prior to returning home to be closer to family.  He worked at a dry cleaner and then a gas station before working at Palm Industries in Litchfield for over 25 years.  After retiring, he worked part time driving for Care Cab in Willmar for 5 years.

On October 7, 1967, Sherney was married to Shirley Ann Reich at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Willmar.  They made their home in Willmar and were blessed with one daughter, Kathy and over 40 years of marriage.  Shirley passed away in 2001.  Following Shirley passing, he met Mary Kelly.  They were married for only a short time but have remained close friends.  

Sherney was very active with the Fraternal Order of Eagle's and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.  He went through all the chairs of both organizations.  

He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Ecklund (and Terry Scott) of Willmar; his friend, Mary Kelly of Glenwood; brother-in-law, Dwaine "Gig's" (and Rhonda) Reich of Willmar; nieces and nephews, Aaron (and Kimberly) Reich, Alan Reich, Shawna Reich, Scott Niece, Michael Niece, Doug Ecklund, Karen Costell and Diane Epperson; and a great niece, Savannah Reich, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one sister, Jeanne and two brothers, Jerry and Wayne.