Kenneth Eckmann, age 75, of rural Iroquois, SD, died Sunday, December 25, 2011, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 29, at American Lutheran Church in Huron with burial at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery in Huron with military rites by the Huron Veterans Council. Visitation with family present will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Welter Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m.; or Thursday morning one hour prior to the service at the church. Kenneth Carl Eckmann, son of Carl and Eva (Haigh) Eckmann, was born on October 8, 1936, in Huron, SD. He was baptized and confirmed at American Lutheran Church in Huron. He grew up on the family farm, rural Iroquois, and graduated from Cavour High School in 1954. Shortly after graduation Ken joined the South Dakota Army National Guard and served honorably over the next 9½ years. On June 30, 1956, Ken married Dorene Krutzfeldt at American Lutheran Church in Huron. From 1957-58 Ken attended and graduated from Northwest College of Commerce in Huron with a business degree. For the next few years he worked for the college recruiting students. In 1958, Ken and Warren Thompson (who owned Northwest College of Commerce) started the Watertown Business College, where Ken also worked recruiting students. Ken and Dorene bought the family farm from Ken's dad and they have farmed there through the present time. While working the farm Ken also worked for a time at Armour & Company; part time in various sales work in the area; and Ken and Dorene played for many, many years in their band "Ken's Aces" - Kenny played tenor sax and Dorene played the piano. He was a member of American Lutheran Church; life time member of American Legion William Reaves Post #7 of Huron where he was a 2-term Commander; and longtime member of NFO (National Farmer's Organization) of which he was the Area Chief and State President. He is survived by his wife, Dorene of rural Iroquois; 1 daughter, Sherri (Rick) Kohlmeyer of Huron; 1 son, Kevin (Cindy) Eckmann of Huron; 3 grandchildren, Mike (Jamie) Eckmann of Omaha, NE, Angie (Curt) Reindl of Huron, and Daniel Kohlmeyer of Huron; 1 great grandchild, Dylan Reindl; and 1 sister, Connie Havens of Rochester, MN. Ken was preceded in death by his parents; and 2 brothers-in-law, Gilbert "Bud" Binger, and Warren Havens.