Duane (Jacobson) Eckholm

Duane Eckholm, age 93, of Willmar, died Saturday, February 8, at Carris Health Rice Care Center in Willmar.

Her memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 16, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the Rice Health Foundation Care Center or Hospice fund. www.hafh.org.

Duane was born May 2, 1926, in Kandiyohi Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, the daughter of Jacob Albert and Martha Caroline Jacobson.  She grew up in the Willmar community and graduated from Willmar High School in 1944. She then attended North Central Bible Institute, graduating in 1946.  Duane married Willis E. “Bill” Eckholm on April 2, 1948 in Willmar. They made their home in Willmar and Duane worked in sales at Woolworths, Bosland Shoes, Ray Peterson Shoes, and Eckholm Specialty Advertising.  

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Willmar for over 70 years.  She served as a deaconess; taught Sunday school, vacation Bible School and release time; and was active with the Women’s Ministry Program and the Missions Board.  She especially loved being part of the church music program, singing in the choir and at concerts. Duane was active in the community and volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Rice Hospital Auxiliary, and the Ex-Prisoners of War group.  She was also a member of the Kandiyohi County Home Extension homemakers club.

Duane enjoyed traveling and visited Sweden, Norway, the Holy Land, Arizona and California.  She also enjoyed many bus tours throughout the USA and countless fishing trips. She also enjoyed sewing, needlework, cooking, baking, and entertaining guests in her home or cabin on Green Lake.

Duane was a lifelong resident of Willmar.  She was a caring and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She loved Jesus as her Savior with all her heart and served Him faithfully.

For the past 4 ½ years, Duane resided in Sophia House at Carris Health Rice Care Center.  The family is so thankful for the loving care provided to her there.

Duane is survived by her son: Steven Eckholm of Maple Grove, MN; a daughter: Sandra (and John) Miller of Excelsior, MN; two grandsons: Justin (and Jocelyn) Miller of Hopkins,MN and Matthew (and Emily) Miller of San Francisco, CA; great-grandsons: Isaac and Henry; and ten nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Bill in 2004; four brothers: Kenneth Jacobson, Lawrence (and Goldie) Jacobson, Donald (and Phyllis) Jacobson, and Vernelle Jacobson; and a sister: Marilyn (and Reuben) Tengwall.

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