Robert "Bob" D. Eckwert

Robert D.”Bob” Eckwert, 90, of Kearney died surrounded by family Saturday, October 6, 2018 in Kearney. Celebration of Life services will be at Saturday December 22, at 4:30 p.m.at First Presbyterian Church in Kearney. A Hamburger reception will follow at the church hall. Memorials are suggested to The Peterson Senior Center, the Head Start Christmas Fund or to the family for future designation. Online condolences may be submitted by visiting www.hlmkfuneral.com. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services in Kearney are in charge of arrangements. He was born June 19, 1928 in Clinton, Iowa to Edward and Carline (Boeker) Eckwert. He graduated from Falls City High School in 1946 then attended Midlands College and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He entered the National Guard in 1949. He served the Army of the United States Infantry Reserve and was honorably discharged as a first Lieutenant in 1959. On August 19, 1956 he married Kay Kirk in Omaha, NE. In 1957 Bob began his involvement with real estate working with the Henley Agency and the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1960 he joined the First Investment Company and became a real estate appraiser. In 1972 he formed Bob Eckwert Appraisal Associates mainly focusing on residential properties. He retired in 2007. He was a 60 year member of First Presbyterian Church in Kearney and was active for 60 years with the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Kearney Jaycees, United Way, Shriners and the Buffalo County Board of Realtors. Bob was a 69 year member of Kearney Elks Lodge #984 and served as Exalted Ruler in 1977-1978, District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler 1983-1984, Elk of the Year 1986-1987 and State President 1991-1992. He enjoyed his church, serving his community and above all his family. He was so proud of his 62 year marriage to Kay, attending to her needs until she became a resident at Prairie View Gardens in 2016. Bobby loved watching his six grandchildren grow up and thrive. He was so excited for the futures of his three great grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends and following Husker sports. Surviving relatives include his wife Kay of Kearney; daughters, Becky O’Connell and husband Paul of Kearney and Jennifer Nelson and husband Curt of Albuquerque, NM; grandchildren, Kylie Sleeth and husband Cory and great grandson Beckham of Highland Ranch, CO, Kara Porter and husband Ben and great grandchildren Nora and Mason of Highlands Ranch, CO, Kirk O’Connell of Vail, CO, Karlie O’Connell of Kearney, Alexis and Andrew Nelson of Albuquerque. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Edward.

Tributes

Robert "Bob" D. Eckwert

June 19, 1928 - October 6, 2018