DELAVAN – Gary A. Eckhoff, age 84, of Delavan went on Saturday, April 18, 2026 to the loving arms of his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. He was born on November 9, 1941 in Steamboat Rock, Iowa. Gary was the son of Elsie and Arend Eckhoff. He graduated from Wellsburg Community High School and went on to obtain his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University in 1968. In 1971, Gary graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Master of Science in Pharmacology with a minor in Biochemistry. Gary worked as a Professor at Iowa State University from 1972-1979, in small animal medicine private practice 1980-1984, research at University of Iowa 1985-1989, and most recently retired from Geneva Laboratories in Elkhorn, WI as a Director of Laboratory Animal Science and Animal Toxicology. Gary was united in marriage to Julie Bessine on September 15, 1990 in Iowa City.
Gary deeply enjoyed traveling, attending church, researching creation science, and spending time with his wife and son. He leaves behind cherished memories with all who knew and loved him.
Gary is survived by his son, Grant Eckhoff, son, Mark Eckhoff, daughter, Wendy Hornback, brother, Pierce Eckhoff, sister, Audrey Cooper, and sister, Pat Kinsinger.
Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Julie, mother, Elsie, and father, Arend.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Delavan Christian Reformed Church, 850 Oak Street in Delavan. Visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the service on Friday at the church. Burial will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery in Delavan. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Delavan Christian School Memorial Fund.
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