Bob Eckhoff, 86 of Norfolk, formerly of Kearney passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020 of natural causes at Norfolk Veterans Home in Norfolk, NE.
Bob was born August 19, 1933 in Franklin, Nebraska to Ed and Georgia (Trollope) Eckhoff. He grew up on a farm near Hildreth with younger brother Harold and his aunt Ella and uncle Al Kaiser. Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1952. He served in Korea as a Tank Mechanic and was honorably discharged in Jan. of 1955. In June of 1954, Bob was united in marriage to Phyllis Orth. To this union six sons were blessed. Upon returning from the war, Bob completed his education at Southeast Community College in Milford, NE. He was a mechanic at Foree, Speak Motors, Lammers Repair and worked nearly twenty years at Rockwell until the plant closed. In 1988, Bob moved to Garner, North Carolina where he continued working for Rockwell until retiring.
In August of 2013, Bob suffered a series of strokes. He moved back to Hooper, Nebraska, then in October of 2016, he moved to the Veterans Home in Norfolk, NE.
Bob was an avid Cornhusker football fan. He enjoyed racecars, hunting and fishing.
Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Ken (Sandy) Eckhoff of Hooper, NE, Steve (Kandi) Eckhoff of Kearney, Jeff Eckhoff of Garner, NC, Dan (Vicki) Eckhoff of Papillion, NE and Tim of Fremont, NE; 7 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Don and Harold; and young son, Robbie Eckhoff; grandson, Matthew Eckhoff and nephew, Jerry Eckhoff.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2020 at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney with Military Honors provided by Kearney American Legion Post #52 and VFW Post #759 in conjunction with the Nebraska National Guard Honors Team. I nterment will take place at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family encourages everyone to please leave a message of condolence through the funeral home website at www.osrfh.com or send cards/memorials to the family, care of O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home, 4115 Ave N, Kearney, NE 68847.
Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services of Kearney.