Daniel P. Eckes

November 29, 1945 – January 23, 2026

Dan (a.k.a. Danny, Dan the Man, Dano, Grandpasaurus) was born in Minneapolis, MN, on November 29, 1945, to parents Fidelis and Loretta. He was one of eight children who grew up on family farms in Plymouth and Hamel, MN. Riding with his dad on his dad's daily milk routes remained a strong memory for Dan his whole life. Dad attended grade school at Holy Name of Jesus in Wayzata, MN, and served as an altar boy. After Holy Name, he attended St. John’s Preparatory School and St. John’s University, graduating with a B.A. in History.

Dan proudly served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Turkey from 1969-1972. After service, he worked construction, bartended at Medina Ballroom, and was the announcer for the Hamel Hawks baseball team. He began working for the Hamel Post Office as a clerk and substitute carrier before moving to the Buffalo Post Office. There, he was a rural carrier manager for 40 years.

Dan married Gretchen Utecht in 1980 and had two children: Adam and Regina. Dan was a loving and loyal husband and father. He always worked hard, provided for his family, and took pride in homeownership and home improvements. Dan’s two grandchildren Owen and Isla were the light of his life in his late years; he took his role as Grandpasaurus to heart.

Dan was known for his love of music and was particularly devoted to the songs and artists from the rock n’ roll era. In college, he was the manager of his friends’ local band named, The Elegants. As an adult, Dan learned to play the guitar. He then played his red acoustic guitar in his church choir The Agape Singers for 30 years. Dan loved live music shows and was a master of music trivia.

Dan enjoyed many other things, including nature (especially feeding his backyard birds); bike rides; playing pickleball; fishing; road trips; exploring spirituality; cheering on his Minnesota sports teams; watching horror movies and westerns; and playing Cribbage, 500, and Euchre.

He was also a dedicated member of AA Sahara Club for seven years and found great meaning in his AA ministry and relationships. Most of all, Dan enjoyed gathering with his large family and his many friends and listening to people’s stories.

Dan passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 80 years old due to complications from heart surgery. He is survived by his wife Gretchen (nee. Utecht), son Adam Eckes (Alison), daughter Regina Eckes (Travis Ahrens), grandchildren Owen (7) and Isla (5); siblings, Sr. Lois Eckes, Laura O’Rourke, Lucia Leck, Jane EtzelEckes, Joan Elliott, Joyce Eckes (Eric Michelsen) and Ralph Eckes (Julie), as well as many cousins, in-laws, 19 nieces and nephews, and many more grand nieces and nephews.

Dan will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a loyal brother, a kind uncle, a guiding coworker, and a dear friend. He was the salt of the earth with his smiling eyes and great big laugh. He exemplified the character qualities of kindness, strength, thoughtfulness, and humor. His tender heart and spirit touched many lives.

A remembering and celebration of Dan’s life will be held at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by service at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon, tribute video, and time for sharing stories will take place following the service.

Dan will be interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in St. Paul, MN.

Those who wish to make a donation in Dan’s name can do so at the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC). The CAC was founded by Fr. Richard Rohr, one of Dan’s greatest spiritual teachers. https://cac.org