Lavern Eckhart

LaVern Eckhart, 90, of rural Gladbrook, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 8, 2013. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 14, 2013, at Gladbrook Chapel United Methodist Church in rural Gladbrook. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the family. For condolences or questions please visit: www.mitchellfh.com . Mitchell Family Funeral home is caring for LaVern and his family. Phone 641-844-1234. LaVern Eckhart was born on March 10, 1922 to Laura (Beck) and William in Toledo, IA. He began his career at Fisher Controls in Marshalltown, Iowa but was soon called to active duty to serve in World War II. He served in the Army Air Force where he became a pilot. He also did Reconnaissance and served in both the Battle of the Buldge and assisted in leading troops over the Ramagen Bridge. He returned with many metals from the war he so proudly fought. On Feb. 15, 1947, he was united in marriage to Darlene Randall, in Hiawatha, Kansas, who remained his wife until her death in June of 1998. Their first daughter is Peggy, and in 1952 they had a daughter named Pamela. Pam had a heart condition and passed away in 1959. In 1961, they were blessed with another daughter named Cheryl. Cheryl contracted acute lymphatic leukemia and passed away on 1969. LaVern worked for 30+ years at Fisher Governor Company in conjunction with owning and operating a dairy, hog, and grain farm. After retiring from Fishers, Darlene and LaVern continued to farm until Darlene's health began to fail. They then decided to enjoy the time they had left together by spending winters in Arizona which was better for Darlene's health. They continued to travel south in the winter until her death.Left to cherish LaVerns memory is his daughter, Peggy (Jim) Griffin of Colorado. Grandchildren: Bridgette Morgan and Sean Griffin; Great Grandchildren: Brandon Morgan and Connor Morgan.In death he rejoins his parents; wife, Darlene, and daughters: Pam and Cheryl; and his sister Opal Bond.