David Alan Eckerman - Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel

March 26, 1947 - January 6, 2025


David Alan Eckerman, age 77, of Richfield, MN passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025.

David was born March 26, 1947 the son of Harold and Kathryn Eckerman.

David graduated from Bloomington High School in 1965, then went on to attend Minnesota State University-Mankato, earning a Political Science undergraduate degree in 1969.

David married Denise Kinzey on June 22nd, 1974 at Assumption Catholic Church in Richfield, MN. David and Denise met at a Little People of America district meeting in Fort Dodge, IA in 1973.

David worked as a banker at Wells Fargo for over 45 years before retiring in 2009. He was involved in the EON Employees Club as well as an active volunteer with the Junior Achievement program mentoring youth in the community. David had a unique ability to genuinely connect with the students he worked with.

David was an active member of the Aqua Jesters, providing joy to thousands of children and their families as a clown at parades and events. David had a special love for all things Disney and won a trip to the Disney World grand opening of MGM Studios in 1988.

David was a member of both Assumption Catholic Church and Saint Helena Catholic Church. He was a devout Catholic who found peace in his faith.

David was an extremely kind and outgoing husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed bike rides, going to movies and cross country road trips with his wife Denise and sons Michael and Stephen. Travel highlights included trips to Texas, California and the Oregon coast over the years. He brought a smile to your face and joy to your heart with each interaction. David had the ability to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. One of David’s calling cards was to send $2 bills to many family and friends over the years for their birthday or special occasions.

David is survived by his wife, Denise; children, Michael (Karen) and Stephen (Jennifer); grandchildren, Ava, Finn, Liam, Declan, Fiona and Lochlan; brothers, Doug (Lynette) and Rob (Kelly); and sisters, Dorinda (Bruce), Janice (Fred) and Julie (Doug); sisters-in-law, Gloria (Wayne), Dian (Jack); brother-in-law, Joe (Jackie).

Preceding David in death are his parents, Harold and Kathryn Eckerman; brother, Jerry (Sue) Eckerman and sister, Kathleen Eckerman; brother-in-law, Brian (Bobbi) Kinzey and father and mother-in-law, Bernard and Marion Kinzey.

Memorials in David’s memory may be directed to Little People of America 977 West Napa Street #1038, Sonoma, CA 95476.





7 Comments

  1. Laura Cannata says:

    I am sorry for this tremendous loss. I remember your family fondly.

    • Michael says:

      Greetings Laura

      Thank you for your kind message! We remember you too, and hope all is well!

      Kind regards,

      Michael

  2. Sally, Jill, and Jack Bedow says:

    Our family sends Denise and the entire Eckerman family our heartfelt condolences. Charles will surely have met Dave at heaven’s gates and will be delighted to be reunited with his longtime friend. We wish we were closer so we could be at the services for Dave but please know you are in our hearts and minds during this sad time.

    • Michael says:

      Greetings Bedow Family!

      Thank you so very much for your message-we appreciate your kindness and support.

      Be well and take care!

      Michael

  3. Judy Kipka says:

    Our family remembers Dave from Assumption church and school. The obituary said it well; he was a kind man who brought a smile to your face. Our sympathy to the family.

    • Michael says:

      Thank you so much Judy! We sincerely appreciate your kind words and memories. Assumption was a great school and my brother and I really enjoyed our time there. I hope all is well with you!

      Kind regards,

      Michael

  4. Jarrett Gupton says:

    Please accept my heartfelt condolences on Dave’s passing. I know how much he meant to the family and his positive impact on those who knew him. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared and the kindness and joy he brought into the world. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

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