Leonard F. Eckland

Leonard F. Eckland, 70, of Morrill, died Friday, August 1, 2008 from injuries he received in an automobile accident. His memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel with Pastor Michael Stein officiating. Masonic rites will be given by Robert W. Furnas Lodge #265 AF & AM of Scottsbluff and military honors by the United States Navy. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice. Leonard was born September 24, 1937 to Fred Andrew and Alice Margaret Susie (Snyder) Eckland in Scottsbluff. He graduated from Gering High School in 1955. He entered the Navy September 15, 1955 and was honorable discharged on July 28, 1958. He returned to the area and was employed by Scotts Bluff County. In 1965 he began his employment with the Bureau of Reclamation and moved to North Dakota. He returned to the panhandle in 2000 and was working part time and Masek’s Golf Cart Co. Leonard loved making yard ornaments out of metal and wood, attending garage sales and craft fairs. He loved barns and had several photos of them in his home. He was a member of Robert W. Furnas Lodge #265 AF & AM of Scottsbluff, Panhandle Shrine Club, Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and was currently vice president of NARF. He is survived by his special friend E. J. Deter of Gering, sons: Steven Michael (Karen) Eckland of South Dakota, Rick (Linda Simpson) Eckland, Washington, Andy Eckland of Milwaukee, WI and Tom Eckland of Bismarck, ND; daughter: Stephanie (Anthony) Paulson, Tacoma, WA; brother: Aldon (Donna) Eckland, Scottsbluff, NE; sisters: Janis (Lawrence) Tomjack, North Platte, NE and Karen (Jerry) Ross of Scottsbluff, NE; grandchildren: Nina Eckland, Nicole Eckland, Tom Eckland, Justin Kickertz, Leah Eckland, Samantha Eckland, Kithia Paulson, Jakob Paulson, and Berenna Paulson and 6 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.