LEONARD WAYNE EIKAMP

Leonard Wayne Eikamp, beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather and greatgrandfather passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, March 25, 2022, at Wheatcrest Hills in Britton.

The funeral for Leonard Wayne Eikamp, 102, will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 31 at First Lutheran Church of Britton with Rev. Terrill Sorensen officiating. Visitation one hour prior and internment following in the Britton Cemetery under the direction of the Price Funeral Chapel.

Leonard Wayne Eikamp was born on February 1, 1920, to Fred and Bertha (Gutzman) Eikamp in their Britton farm home. Baptized at First Presbyterian Church and attended Britton elementary, Britton High School where he graduated in 1937. During high school he worked at Fred Holling Variety Store, Abbas Variety Store and Kilker Creamery. In his senior year Leonard lettered in football.

Following high school Leonard worked for the JCPenney Company from 1937-1942.

He also played piano in a dance band called Bill Daisy and his Stardusters. From 1942-1954 he worked for the Thorp Auto Company as a parts manager, occasionally assisting in both Oakes and Ellendale, ND.

Leonard married Myrtle Leora Severson on June 11, 1942. They purchased a small home in Britton, had two children (Judith and Leonard Jr), and were very involved in the community. Leonard was Scout Master for Troup 31 from ‘42-’54, actively involved at First Presbyterian Church, and a charter member of the Britton Lions Club.

In 1954 a move was made to Pierpont, SD following the purchase of Loe’s Our Own Hardware, Apartment and Hotel Complex. Leonard was a licensed electrician and plumber, providing service work throughout the community and surrounding farm area. In addition he provided ambulance service to the Franzen Funeral Home.

Leonard was confirmed in the Lutheran faith in 1954 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pierpont, served as Sunday School Superintendent, sang in the choir, served on the Church Council, and was substitute organist.

Always involved in the community, Leonard was a member of the School Board, the Pierpont Development Corporation that built both the cheese factory and stone building, served as mayor of Pierpont, organized Dairy Days and the community 75th Anniversary Celebration and helped build the school auditorium. In 1962 Leonard was awarded the plumbing contract for the new Britton Clinic.

Following the sale of the hardware store, Leonard returned to Britton where he continued to do electri-cal, plumbing and building work as requested. He became a member of First Lutheran Church, served on the Church Council, was a member of the Men’s Group, sang in the choir, and was substitute organist. From 1978-2003 he was the summer worship service pianist for Lake City Lutheran.

Leonard served as County Commissioner for Marshall County for several years. During that time he was charged with reviewing Court House office space. The Commission voted to build the community building on South Main which allowed office moves to that building and shifts in offices in the Court House.

Leonard also represented First Lutheran Church on the Board of Directors for the Bethesda Nursing Home in Webster, served as Chairman for two terms during which time a three story apartment complex was built attached to the nursing home.

In 1991 and 1992 Leonard participated in a mission trip to Kansas City. Along with Pastor Rogers and others from First Presbyterian Church, the group of volunteers installed both men’s and women’s bathrooms at Grace Church. They were also able to assist at the largest food pantry in the Midwest at that time.

In addition he was nominated by the Aberdeen American News for the Good Neighbor award, awarded People’s Choice honors through the Britton Journal, was an Augustana College Fellow, and an active member of the Britton Senior Citizen Organization where he served as Treasurer for twelve years.

Surviving Leonard is his daughter, Judith Bergeland (Minneapolis), daughterin-law Melinda (Butch) Eikamp, Groton, five grandchildren John (Jamie) Bergeland, Hugo, MN., Christine (Troy) Doeden, Beresford SD, Heather VanWell (Darin) Selby, SD, Jill (Paul) McCorkle, Olathe KA, and Jason (Nicole) Bergeland, Ramsey, MN; fourteen great—grandchildren: Sophie, Oliver, Grace, & Audrey Doeden, Andrew, Jack, Kaitlyn, Jakob and Derek Bergeland; Jorden Hale, Addison McCorkle, Austin, Logan and Dayton VanWell; many nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Helen (Fred) Eikamp of Britton.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife Myrtle, his son Leonard, his sister Delores, and his brothers Maynard and Fred.

Price Funeral Chapel of Britton has been entrusted with Leonard’s services.

Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Judith Bergeland - 3800 85th Ave N -Brooklyn Park, MN 55443.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.pricefuneralchapel.net.