Lavern "Kork" Eckert

life story

Kork died at home on May 27, 2025.

Lavern “Kork” Darwin Eckert was born on July 26, 1935, in Sebeka, Minnesota, to Herman and Mary Eckert. He grew up in Wadena, Minnesota, alongside his five siblings and graduated from Wadena High School in 1954.

He married Joann Kittelson on June 8, 1958. Together, they raised three children: Brenda, Curtis, and Becky.

Kork dedicated his life to Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in October, 1964. He shared his faith freely and warmly, always eager to speak about the Bible. Kork was a true people person—he made others feel comfortable and welcome.

He generously gave of his time and skills to support Kingdom Hall construction projects across the Upper Midwest, Canada, and even as far as Honduras and the Dominican Republic. In his life he worked on over seventy Kingdom Halls.

A bricklayer by trade, Kork worked diligently in the field for nearly 40 years. He also had a love for music and played the drums in a family band known as the **Leaf River Hornets**.

Kork was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Mary Eckert; his brothers Lloyd, Eldon, and Donald; his sister Lillian; and his beloved son, Curtis.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joann; daughters Brenda (Joel) Richardson and Becky; daughter-in-law Pam; grandchildren Teasha (Jamie) Remer, Lindsay (Greg) Nelson, Alayna (Micah) Blake, and Briana (Eric) Algarin, Tyan Richardson; great-grandchildren Macie, Zakary, Alyvia, Stella, Summit, Emerly, and Hazel; and brother Edwin (Barb) Eckert.

Kork will be deeply missed—especially by his great-grandchildren, who brought him so much joy.

memorial service

Visitation 3-4pm Memorial Service 4pm Zoom ID: 931 5169 2295 Password: 016079

June 6, 2025

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses--Brookdale, Park Center Hmong, & Minneapolis North 836 Brookdale Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55444, USA

Reception to follow at the Osseo Community Center

415 Central Ave

Osseo, MN 55369