Sidney E. Eckerman

Sidney E. Eckerman, 75, of Sioux City died Monday, June 19, 2006, at a Sioux City hospital following a sudden illness.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Michael's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Gary Snyder officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Army Reserves. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., a rosary at 6 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Sidney was born May 14, 1931, in Early, Iowa, the son of Elmer J. and Pearl (Struble) Eckerman. He graduated from Early High School prior to serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He married Mary Jo A. Lockard on Dec. 27, 1954, in Sioux City. Shortly after, the couple moved to Phoenix, Ariz., residing there until moving to Sioux City in 1959. He was the owner/operator of the Eckerman Construction Company. He retired in 1998.

He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Tierney Council. He loved his horses and especially spending time with his grandchildren. Helping others always brought him joy.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo; two sons, Sidney E. Eckerman Jr. and his wife, Chris of Bellevue, Neb., and Todd W. Eckerman of Aurora, Colo.; two daughters, Shelly T. and her husband, Scott Gerkin of Sioux City and Rhonda K. Eckerman of Parker, Colo.; a brother and his wife, Thomas and Sharon Eckerman of Phoenix, Ariz.; two sisters, Theresa Eslick of Phoenix, and Vivian and her husband, Elmer Miller of Prescott, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Jaclyn Eckerman, Joseph Eckerman, Shane Gerkin, Jessica Eckerman and Steffanie Gerkin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Romane and Clair Eckerman.

Pallbearers will be Shane Gerkin, Joseph Eckerman, Steve Gengler, Noah Porter, Ben Vondrak and LaVern Schroeder. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Bucchino, Charles Livingston, Aleck Yarosevich and Jim Barkley.