Ernest Eckard – Metz Mortuary

Ernest Henry Eckard, age 75 of McCool Jct, NE died Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Fairmont, NE. He was born February 4, 1946 in Ord, NE to Henry and Margaret (Hardy) Eckard. He graduated from Spalding High School in 1964.  After High school, he served in the United States Army in Viet Nam stationed in Germany.  He was Honorably discharged in 1968. While in the service, he learned how to repair diesel engines. After serving his country, Ernest was employed at the Ordinance Plant in Grand Island, NE.  He was also employed at Laderhoff’s Trucking in Fremont. Loomis and Sons Trucking in Onawa, IA for 15 years. He was on the volunteer fire department in Onawa for 16 years. Ernie helped build the keel boat for Lewis & Clark and attended the festivals annually.  He then moved his family to McCool Jct and was employed at Sahling Kenworth in York retiring in 2009. For 11 years, Ernest fought cancer but still loved to go deer hunting and spend time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Linda of McCool Jct, his children: Cathy Daugherty of Tekamah, NE, Robyn (Larry) McKibbin of Stuart, IA, Danni (Doug) Brandt of Grand Island, and Matt (Ashley) Eckard of McCool Jct. His grandchildren include: Tony (Alex) Daugherty of Tekamah, Johrdyn (Ian) Horwath of New London, CT, Michael (Morgan) Eckard of Johnston, Iowa, Chris McKibbin of Omaha, Sarah McKibbon of Guthrie Center, Iowa, Damian Brandt, Denae Brandt and Dalton Brandt of Grand Island, and Melia Hongsermeier and Aerin Eckard of McCool Jct.  His great grandchildren are: Miley, Everley, and Oakley Daugherty of Tekamah, Kenny Eckard and Liam Horwath of New London, CT, Elijah Eckard of Johnston, IA, and Nola Marsh, Maddox Marsh, and Addelynne Hale all of Guthrie Center, IA. Also surviving is his brother Charles Eckard of Spalding and two sisters Delores (Dwain) Kranz of Eddyville, NE and Sara Eckard of Oconto, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Margaret Kranz, Rose Haggerty and Evelyn Eckard. Nephews Jimmy Haggerty, Henry Haggerty, Ronnie Kranz, Louis Haggerty and Gary Kranz and his niece Pauline Haggerty.

Memorial services are scheduled for 10:30 am Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the Metz Chapel in York. Military honors will be held following services at the mortuary. The family will greet friends an hour prior to services. Private family inurnment to be held at a later date. Casual attire is requested. It was Ernie’s wish to be cremated so there will be no viewing. Memorials may be sent to his family for later designation.
​