Services for William “Bill” Eck
Tue, 03/07/2023 - 7:22pm
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William “Bill” Eck, age 76 of Waubun, MN, died on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.
William Donald was born on July 6, 1946, to Wally and Grace (Clemenson) Eck in Bagley, MN, along with his twin brother who died in infancy. Bill grew up in the Eveleth, MN, area where he attended school. He graduated from Carlton High School with the Class of 1964 before enlisting in the United States Army. Bill was stationed state-side during the Vietnam Era until his honorable discharge, then continued to serve with the National Guard for several years. On July 15, 1967, Bill was united in marriage to Donna Shambow at Holy Family Catholic Church in Eveleth. The couple lived for a short time in Duluth, MN, before returning to Eveleth to begin their family. Bill was employed with the City of Eveleth as Utilities Supervisor as well as an entrepreneur of several businesses. He loved being his own boss. Over the years, Bill owned and operated a construction company, a liquor store, a septic business, and various other endeavors. In the mid-1980’s, they moved to California and Bill was employed as a heavy equipment operator, which was a job he truly enjoyed. It was while working there that Bill’s crew gave him the nickname “Pappy” as he was a true father figure to them. In 1992, they moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family. They made their home in Waubun and Bill began working at the Shooting Star Casino and later for the White Earth Water and Sewer Department. Bill was an active member and past commander of the Mahnomen American Legion. After his official retirement, Bill opened “Pappy’s Café and Pizzeria” in Waubun. The café was his baby and kept him very busy. He loved visiting with all who walked through the door and enjoyed working alongside Donna and their staff. His larger-than-life personality, tender heart, and gift to gab will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the community.
Bill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna of Waubun; two daughters, Melissa (Larry) Krosko of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Shannon Eck of Waubun; one son, Shane Anderson of Waubun; eight grandchildren: Michael Stevens, Joshua (Martina) Kent, Brendan (Erin) Ladd, Jennifer Ladd, Felicity Neal, Holly (Paul) Erickson, Kristine Cuen, and Brent (Sammy) Moody Jr.; 16 great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Philip (Eleanor) Eck of Eveleth, and Richard (Conda) Eck of Yale, SD; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and four siblings: twin, Willard, LeRoy, Janet, and Raymond.
Visitation was held from 5:00-7:00 pm on Monday, March 6, 2023 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 pm, and continued one hour prior to the funeral. A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Lunch and fellowship were held at Pappy’s Café in Waubun directly following the Funeral Service. Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family
Funeral Home of Mahnomen. www.andersonfamilyfh.com
