Ecko Boelman Sr., 91, Hardwick, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002, in Luverne Hospice Cottage.
Services were on Monday, Jan. 7, at Engebretson Funeral Chapel in Luverne. The Rev. John Pehrson officiated. Burial was in Memorial Gardens Cemetery, rural Luverne.
Ecko Boelman Sr. was born to William and Tillie (Mennen) Boelman on Aug. 4, 1910, in Aplington, Iowa. As a child he moved with his parents to a farm near Ash Creek where he was raised and attended country school.
He married Ruth Johnson on Sept. 29, 1932, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Following their marriage they lived and farmed near Ash Creek. In 1936 they moved to California where he drove a hay truck. He also worked for a rubber company making tires. In 1949 they moved back to Ellsworth where they farmed. In 1960 they purchased a cafŽ in Lismore which they owned and operated until 1963. They then moved to a farm near Hardwick where they farmed until his retirement. His wife, Ruth, died on Feb. 4, 1990. He continued living on the farm until 1995 when he moved to his home in Hardwick.
Mr. Boelman enjoyed camping, fishing and playing cards.
Survivors include his seven children, Beverly (Robert) Soladay, Donna Herman, all of Albuquerque, N.M., Delmer (Linda) Boelman, Ecko Boelman Jr., all of Hardwick, Wendell (Darla) Boelman, Holland, Lori Boelman, Luverne, and William (Gloria) Boelman, Aberdeen. S.D.; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ray Boelman; one sister, Fannie Hisken; and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Boelman was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, four brothers, one sister and one great-grandchild.
Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.