Donald Eckroth

Donald Eckroth, 91, of Mandan, passed away May 3, 2026, at Edgewood in Mandan. He finally put himself on his beloved “top shelf.”

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 8, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandan, with burial to follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Thursday, May 7, at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan. A Men of the Moose Ritual will begin at 6:45 PM, followed by a Parish Rosary and Vigil. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Donald was born November 10, 1934, in Mandan, the son of John and Angeline (Leingang) Eckroth. He was the 13th of 16 children and was raised on the family farm alongside his eight brothers and seven sisters. Don was educated at the nearby one-room schoolhouse, Bonanza School #8.

Realizing that farming and ranching were not his life’s calling, Don moved to Mandan where he worked at Kist Livestock before entering the construction field. He worked for North Dakota Concrete Sales and later for the late Lloyd Thompson at Mandan Foundry. Don was part of the team that built the new Heskett Station. His strong work ethic did not go unnoticed, leading to an opportunity in 1966, when he was offered a position with the City of Mandan caring for Mandan Union Cemetery. For 41 years, he took great pride in his work, always wanting the cemetery to look its best for the families of those laid to rest and for the public. Don enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, and hunting. In his retirement, he grew beautiful roses in his yard.

On July 7, 1962, Don married Delanis Ferderer at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mandan. In 1968, their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Dori Jean, who was the apple of his eye. Don and Dori shared a special bond, and he always placed her on a “top shelf.” This was especially evident in his final days, as he waited for her to return home so they could spend time together before his passing.

Don was an active member of the Mandan Moose Lodge where he achieved the Pilgrim Degree. He greatly enjoyed the time he spent there and especially valued the friendships he built over the years. Don was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge, St. Anthony Verein, Eagles Club, and the Knights of Columbus.

He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and volunteered many hours wherever he was needed. He especially enjoyed volunteering in Medora during the spring and fall for 10 years.

Grateful for having shared in his life is his wife of 63 years, Delanis Eckroth of Mandan; daughter, Dori Ost of Maple Valley, WA; grandchildren, Dylan Lee Ost and Jake Donald (Abby) Ost; great-granddaughters, Maeve and Iyla; siblings, Rosella Kuhn and Raymond Eckroth; sister-in-law, Phyllis Eckroth; brother-in-law, Gene Hatzenbeler; along with many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, John and Mary Ferderer; brothers, Alex, Adam, John (Ethel), Jake (Judy), Vincent, Albert (Bernice and Alice), and infant Valentine; sisters, Elizabeth (Edward) Miller, Hildegard (Albert) Miller, Genevieve (Robert) Haller, Viola (Bob) Klesalek, Lorraine Hatzenbeler, and infant Mary Magdalene; brother-in-law, Ralph Kuhn; and sister-in-law, Priscilla Eckroth.

Memorials are suggested to the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation or by mail Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, PO Box 1696, Bismarck, ND, 58502.