Terry Eck, 55, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. His Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Kahler-Brende Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the service. Inurnment will take place at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls. www.kahlerfh.com
Terry Ray Eck was born in Hot Springs, SD, October 26, 1966 to Thelma (Coy) and Ray Eck. Terry spent most of his youth in Sioux Falls, then moved to Montana and graduated from Hellgate High School and then entered the AirForce. His service was one of the accomplishments he was most proud of.
Terry was hard-working, fun-loving and full of embellished stories. He was passionate about muscle cars, especially his ‘94 Anniversary Mustang, motorcycles and Dallas Cowboy football. He enjoyed fixing things, or at least trying, and gadgets, especially the “as seen on TV” deals. Terry worked as a petroleum specialist for Sioux Equipment and O’Day, the perfect job for a “fixer”. Terry was forced to retire long before he wanted to because of a severe back injury.
Terry also said he had a true love story. He met his wife Lynnette “Nettie” Eck while working at the same place of employment. They were a misunderstood match and took the plunge anyway on July 10, 2004 and got to spend as much time in the Black Hills as possible and would not have missed the Buffalo Round-up.
Above all Terry’s joy was his family. He loved sitting around and swapping stories and reminiscing. Those left to remember all the wonderful moments are his wife “Nettie” and her children Annie (Charles) Tillman, Sioux Falls, Jessica (Scott) Hartung, Aberdeen. The grandchildren that came along with the marriage as a package deal; Trace Kilker-Zeig, Colin Kilker-Zeig and special friend Deloris Herman, Tayler Zeig, Shay Tillman, Kate Hartung, Abi Hartung, and great-grandchildren; Bentley Weber and Oaklynn Klein. Terry’s brothers Todd Gravning and his special friend, Darcy Johnston, Sioux Falls, Jon (Jody) Eck, Sioux Falls, and Lynn Eck, Sioux Falls. And one man, his step-dad, Marlyn Gravning, whom Terry held in very high regard. Along with Terry’s dog, Rowdy, who never was very from his side.
Terry was a kind generous spirit who never realized how much he meant to others. If you ever recall him in the future, hope it brings a smile to your face.