Funeral Services were held for Dean Eckhoff, age 74  of Deer Creek, on Wednesday, July 13, in Deer Creek with Pastor Donald Wagner officiating. Pallbearers were Corey Eckhoff, Brad Eckhoff, Chris Eckhoff, Bubba Rinerson, Mike Simmons, Jake Pedersen and Erik Orndorff. Honorary Pallbearers were Dean’s granddaughters: Kensey, Ashlyn and Samantha; great-grandson: Evan; and goddaughter: Tammy.  Military Honors were provided by the American Legion Post #283 of Deer Creek, Minnesota and the United States Navy Reserve of Minnesota. Dean was laid to rest at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Henning. 

Dean Henry Eckhoff was born on May 26, 1948 in Wesley Hospital in Wadena, to Ernest and Alice (Barden) Eckhoff. 

Dean grew up in Deer Creek. He was Baptized on June 24, 1948 and Confirmed on April 15, 1962 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Deer Creek. Dean graduated from the Deer Creek High School with the class of 1966. Dean continued his education at Alexandria Vocation Institute as a machinist and appliance and refrigeration. Later he received Boiler-man license at Moorhead Vocational Institute. 

He entered the US Navy on June 23, 1968. He served on the USS SHENANDOAH in the Mediterranean Sea as a machine repairman. Stationed in Norfolk, Va. Dean was honorably discharged from the United States Navy on June 24, 1974. Dean reenlisted June 5, 1987 into The Navy Reserves at the Naval Reserve Center Fargo, N.D. On December 1, 2004 retired as an Engineman second class. 

On October 9, 1976, he married Gwen Lorraine Hofferbert at Trinity Lutheran Church in Deer Creek. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters Jami and Jessica. The couple made their home in West Fargo, N.D. most of their life. Then moving to Henning, and lastly in 2010 Deer Creek. 

He enjoyed hunting, shooting pool, playing cards and board games, golfing, raising pheasants and loved spending time with family. 

He was involved in the American Legion Post #283 where he was instrumental and a big part of promoting the veterans park in Deer Creek and a member of the Deer Creek Rod and Gun club. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Gwen Eckhoff, and sister Connie Grant. 

He will forever be remembered by his daughters Jami Orndorff, Jessica (Mike) Simmons, grandchildren Samantha (Jake) Pedersen, Erik Orndorff, Ashlyn Simmons, Kensey Simmons, great grandson Evan Pedersen, Brother Don (Sue) Eckhoff, sister Janiel Churchill, Brian (Stacy) Eckhoff, Dale Eckhoff, along with many relatives and family.  

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Dean’s Tribute Wall. 

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Services of Wadena.