Karl William Eckert, age 78, of Stromsburg, Nebraska, went home to his Savior Jesus on March 27, 2025 at his home in Stromsburg.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. the Evangelical Free Church in Stromsburg with Pastor James Kappers officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, March 31 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the church. Pianist will be Roni Branting. Congregational hymns will be “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” and “It Is Well With My Soul.” Vocalist will be Revin Nyberg singing “Homeward Bound.” Pallbearers will be Ajay Bertschinger, Anthony Eckert, Revin Nyberg, Tyler Lamoree, Jentry Lovejoy, Joe Welch, and Mike Branting. Interment will be in the Stromsburg cemetery with Military Rites by Stromsburg American Legion Post 132.

Karl was born May 18, 1946 in South Gate, California to Arthur and Nellie Eckert. He graduated high school in California and attended Ceritos College in Norwalk, CA where he studied history. He was united in marriage to Cheryl Snowden. She brought one daughter to this union and together they had two additional daughters.

Karl served his country, joining the Navy on August 3, 1964 to July 29, 1968. He served as a machinery repairman achieving rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. He received the Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Ribbon Bar, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Over the years he lived in various places including California, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas.

On September 12, 1992 Karl was united in marriage to Diane Bauer.

While living in South Dakota he worked as a machinist at Kolberg-Pioneer Inc. retiring January 3, 2014. In 2017 they returned to Nebraska, living in Stromsburg.

He was active in the community as a member of the American Legion Post 132, served the Stromsburg Senior Center as a board member and volunteer, and was on the Stromsburg Zoning Committee.

He enjoyed baking, cooking, Stromsburg Senior Center activities, motorcycles, hunting, playing pool, a good western and gardening. He was honored as Super Swede at the Stromsburg Swedish Festival in 2024.

Survivors include Diane of Stromsburg; daughters Karla Smith of Aubrey, TX and Cindy (Tracy) Nyberg of Stromsburg; 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; one brother Arthur (Gloria) Eckert of Bellflower, CA; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Nellie; and one daughter Melissa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Stromsburg Senior Center, the Stromsburg American Legion Post or family choice.

Dubas Funeral Home of Stromsburg and Osceola has been entrusted with arrangements. Dubasfuneralhome.com