Paul Eckerman

Published by editor on Tue, 05/04/2021 - 12:26pm

Paul S. Eckerman, 90 of Conrad passed away Monday, May 3, 2021 at the Oakview Nursing Home in Conrad. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 7, at St. Francis of Assisi Parrish - St. Henry Catholic Church in Marshalltown. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 6 with a Vigil Service taking place at 7 p.m. at the Conrad Chapel of the Anderson Funeral Homes. Interment will take place at the Conrad Cemetery with military honors following the service and luncheon. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Paul was born on November 28, 1930 to Sylvester and Mamie (Taylor) Eckerman and grew up in Early, Iowa. Paul graduated in 1948 and enlisted in the Navy in June of 1951. Paul married the love of his life, Helen Landgraf, on October 3, 1953. After serving for four years in the Navy, Paul completed college at Buena Vista in Storm Lake, and began his teaching and coaching career.

Paul taught and coached in Meriden and Schaller, Iowa before coming to Union-Whitten. One of his greatest accomplishments was coaching the U-W Cobras to the 1968 State Girls Basketball Championship with an overtime victory. In 2007, Paul was inducted into the Iowa Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.

After several years at Union-Whitten, Paul received his administrative degree and became an elementary principal at BCLUW. He continued coaching high school girl's basketball through the 1979 season. Paul retired from the school in 1993.

Paul was a lifelong fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and all things chocolate. Within his community, Paul was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Conrad American Legion. In retirement, he enjoyed golfing, playing cards with friends, and spending time with his family.

Paul will be missed by his loving wife, Helen of 67 years, two sons Rick (Mary) Eckerman of Conrad, Mark Eckerman of Grinell, and daughter Paula (Mike) Benson of Conrad, nine grandchildren, Laura (Jeremy) Harrod, Nick Eckerman, Andrea Benson, Joel (Morgan) Benson, Breanne Benson, Kayla (Arnell) Powell, Sara (Travis) Barr, Tanner Eckerman, Jonathan Eckerman, and three great grandchildren.

In death, Paul rejoined his first grandson Matthew Paul Eckerman, his parents Sylvester and Mamie Eckerman, and brothers, Robert, Keith, and Dean Eckerman.

Anderson Funeral Homes

405 W. Main St.

Marshalltown, IA 50158

641-753-5511