Wesley "Wes" Ecker
February 16, 1948 ~ January 8, 2025
Born in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Resided in:
Grandin, North Dakota
Wes’ service will be livestreamed below starting at 1:45 PM Saturday
Wesley Dean Ecker, age 76, of Grandin, North Dakota, passed away on January 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Wes was born on February 16, 1948, to Verna (Sampel) and (Fredrick) Dean Ecker. He graduated from Grandin High School and served in the ND Air National Guard. Wes attended North Dakota State University for agriculture before returning to the family farm to work alongside his father, and eventually, his wife and son.
On October 6, 1973, Wes married Myrna Franklund.
Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, farming, and a profound appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. Wes, a lifelong learner, enjoyed the beauty of the farm, cattle, native plants, and grasses, all while cherishing his family.
Known for his quiet integrity and goodness, Wes taught by example. He genuinely cared for others and took satisfaction in doing things the right way, often saying, “It’s easier to do it right the first time.” He believed that “Attitudes can inhibit or empower you,” a philosophy he lived by. He had a unique way of responding to life’s ups and downs, always inquiring “and how does that make you feel” to ensure we appreciate the little moments.
Wes is survived by his wife, Myrna; daughter, Sara (Garner) Eeg; granddaughters, Marin (Merle Hoverson-fiancé), Makenna, Aniya; grandson, Gavin; son, Dan (Mikaela) Ecker; granddaughters, Hailey and Addison; aunt, Joyce (Sampel) Bell, brothers, Perry (Sandy) Ecker and Hal (Pegi) Ecker; sister, Eileen (Wade) Stubson; brothers-in-law, Lorin (Emily) Franklund and Mark (Maretta) Franklund; sister-in-law, Lois Hanson as well as many nieces and nephews. And a very special bonus family Britney & Kole Mikesh and “grandchildren” Brylee, Kasyn & Remi Mikesh.
Wes did his best in all aspects of life, from farming and fencing to nurturing and cherishing his cattle and his family.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE: 2 PM Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Grandin Presbyterian Church – with a gathering one hour prior.
PRAYER SERVICE: 7 PM Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Grandin Presbyterian Church – with a gathering beginning at 6 PM
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grandin Cemetery in Wes’s memory.
Services
Gathering of Family and Friends: January 17, 2025 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Grandin Presbyterian Church, Grandin
401 Brown Ave
Grandin, ND 58038
Prayer Service - Friday: January 17, 2025 7:00 pm
Grandin Presbyterian Church, Grandin
401 Brown Ave
Grandin, ND 58038
Gathering of Family and Friends: January 18, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Grandin Presbyterian Church, Grandin
401 Brown Ave
Grandin, ND 58038
Celebration of Life - Saturday: January 18, 2025 2:00 pm
Grandin Presbyterian Church, Grandin
401 Brown Ave
Grandin, ND 58038
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Myrna and family,
It is with heavy hearts that we learn of Wes’ passing. We remember him fondly as the kindest man, known for his integrity and honor. Such a man will be greatly missed by many. God bless his memory.
Stuart and Kathy Larson
Park Rapids MN
Wes and I were in the same class through all the years at the Grandin School. He was a quiet guy but loved a good laugh. He was kind and caring, and I’m sad that he is no longer in this world. He made it a better place.
Desyl Peterson
Rapid City, SD
Myrna and family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss, but we’re thankful for your lives together.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love, Keith and Lee Franklund
Wes was always a great guy to go out of his way to make sure others came first. He and Myrna have been the best people to me and I was blessed to know Wes. RIP my friend.