LEE ECLOV

Lee Wayne Eclov, 75 of Rockford, IL died at home on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Lee was born January 17, 1951, to Lyle and Grace Eclov in Milbank, South Dakota. He grew up in Britton, SD, attended Britton HS and was an alumnus of Trinity College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, formerly of Deerfield, IL.

He was a beloved pastor serving several churches in the Evangelical Free Church denomination for over 40 years. In retirement, he invested in mentoring young pastors and writing. He authored 5 books and was a regular contributor to Preaching Today, a subsidiary of Christianity Today. His preaching and writing were peppered with creative storytelling and his signature benedictions, which he always sang at the end of his services. His impact on lives was far reaching.

He was “homesick” for heaven but lived in the present, engaging the next person he met. The signature on all his correspondence, was BE YE GLAD. That gladness came from his relationship with Jesus. He loved his family deeply and was very proud of them.

Survived by his wife, Susan (Foote); son, Anders W. (Rikki) Eclov; brother, Larry (Jayne) Eclov; nieces and nephew, Addie (Andrew) Zierman, Paige (Forrest) Tobie, Erik (Marissa) Eclov, and Aly (TJ) Howard. He was known by the name Gruncle to his seven great-nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; and sister, Linda and her husband Michael Osborn.

Memorial Service details to be announced on the website below.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.olsonfh. com.

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Poll: REGIONS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE? A legislative task force is considering a plan to organize South Dakota’s ambulance services into eight to 14 regions, potentially with state oversight and funding to help keep emergency medical services sustainable. The proposal comes as many ambulance services face financial challenges, low reimbursement rates and an aging, often volunteer workforce. Lawmakers say the goal is to ensure an ambulance can respond when someone calls 911, but establishing the regions and determining how they would be funded could take years. Do you support creating regional ambulance service systems with state oversight and potential state funding?

Yes, regional systems could help ensure reliable ambulance service.

No, ambulance services should remain organized locally.

Unsure. I would need more information about how it would work.

10/27/2026 – 11/27/2100