Vernon Eckle

Burlington

Vernon Eckel, Jr., 62, Burlington, died Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Trinity Hospital in Minot, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle/vehicle accident.

Vernon Eugene Eckel, Jr. was born August 2, 1961, the son of Vernon Sr. and Erika (Gros) Eckel, in Illinois. He was raised and educated in Minot, graduating from Bishop Ryan High School.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force on July 8, 1980. He started his training to be an Avionics Electronics Technician in Denver before being stationed overseas in Korea. While in Korea for a year, Vernon became involved in Jiu Jitsu and Do Hap Sool. Following his time in Korea, Vernon was stationed in Austin, Texas and then Sumter, South Carolina. While in the Air Force Vernon maintained, repaired, and tested reconnaissance camera systems for recon aircrafts. He was honorably discharged July 7, 1984.

Vernon married Pamela Hellickson on November 25, 1989. They made their home in Minot and later Burlington. They were blessed with two sons, Jacob and Joshua.

Vernon began working at Northrup in 1984 until a back injury caused him to leave.

November 16, 1986, Vernon became born again proclaiming, “The Lord Jesus saved my life and set me free from sin and damnation. I was delivered from death and set on a course of everlasting life. I now live for nothing more than to worship and serve the Lord Jesus Christ! I cannot understand anyone who does not want to serve Jesus! After a life of sin, Christ Jesus set me free, cleaned my soul and spirit and showed me a better life. I never want the life I once had. I only want to live for Jesus Christ!”

In 1996, Vernon began working at KMOT as the chief engineer, in 2000 he was a technician for Cellular One, in 2001 he launched his own business, Eckel Electronics.

Vernon enjoyed riding bike, flying drones and other aircrafts, and golf. Vernon was a talented musician, playing piano, guitar, bass, trumpet, harmonica, and singing.

He was a member of Christian Motorcycle Association and volunteered many years for the Musikk Butikk at Norsk Hostfest.

His loving family includes children, Jacob Eckel, Burlington, Joshua (Sara) Eckel, Minot; sisters, Elizabeth (Guy) Armstrong, Minot, Gertie Miles, Prescott AZ and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 33 years, Pamela, infant sister, Eva Marie Eckel; and brother-in-law, Marvin Fettig.

Funeral: Friday, August 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. at The Pursuit Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to the benefit account set up at Gate City Bank.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com)

Published by The Minot Daily News, Aug. 17, 2023.