Lyle J. Eckley

Lyle Jacob Eckley, son of Gertrude (Mischo) and Clarence Eckley, was born February 16, 1920, in Manning, Iowa. He grew to young manhood in this community and graduated from the Manning High School in 1938.

After his graduation he enlisted in the horse cavalry and was stationed at Ft. Des Moines, Iowa. He advanced to the rank of Master Sergeant.
At the outbreak of World War II, he took a commission and served in an Infantry Platoon from Omaha Beach to the Rhine River. He received an honorable discharge on Jan. 19, 1945.

He was married to Bernice Mikkelsen in Yuma, Arizona on Sept. 16, 1945. Two sons were born to this union. Since 1950, the Eckleys have made their home in Omaha. He was a commercial photographer, until a heart condition made it impossible to continue with his profession. He was the official photographer in the early stages of the Circle R Bible Camp; and also the confirmation pictures at Immanuel Lutheran Church He was also a lover of outdoors sports & activities.
His heart condition continued to worsen and in the last two years he was in and but of the Veterans Hospital and the struggle came to an end on Monday, July 25, 1983, at the age of 63 years, 5 months and 9 days.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Laurence, Melvin and Dan and two sisters, Clara & Lucille. He is survived by his wife, Bernice; two sons and daughters-in-law and their children, Michael & Anita and children Michelle & Bill, and Alan and Susan and children, Chris, Stacey and Jake; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.
Memorial services were held July 28, 1983„ 7:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with Pastor R.M. Meyer and Rev. Valarie Calia-Strand officiating. Jan Moldenhauer was organist. A private interment was at Harlan, Iowa.

Manning Monitor article------ 1943

Gets Commission
Port Benning, Ga.
Lyle J. Eckley of Manning, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army of the United States last week upon successful completion of the Officer Candidate Course at The Infantry School at Fort Benning. Lt. Eckley is the son of Mrs. Clarence Eckley of Manning.
The new lieutenant enlisted into the army on January 7, 1939 and served with the 14th Cavalry; Hq. Det. 7' CA & Reception Center, Ft. Des Moines. Iowa before going to officer Candidate School three months ago. He held the rank of 1st Sgt. before being commissioned.

The new officer is a graduate of Manning High School in Manning.
The men who attend the Officer Candidate Schools are the best privates corporals and sergeants from the entire army, selected by their superiors for outstanding intelligence and qualities of leadership. During the course even the mildly incapable are weeded out, so that men who graduate with commissions are America's finest soldiers, fully qualified to be leaders in the new army.

Manning Monitor article------ 1945

LIEUTENANT LYLE ECKLEY GETS MEDICAL DISCHARGE
Lieutenant Lyle Eckley, son of Mrs. Gertrude Eckley of Manning has received a medical discharge from the United States Army and is at present here with his mother.
Lt. Eckley, a graduate of Manning high school 1938, enlisted in the 14th cavalry at Fort Des Moines, Jan. 7, 1939.
He was transferred in October, 1939, to Head Corps Area at Omaha, Neb., where he remained until February 1941, when he was sent to the reception center at Fort Des Moines.

In August, 1942, he was sent to Ft. Benning, Ga., where he attended Officer Candidate School. In November 1942, he was transferred to Camp Livingston, La.; then in January, 1943 to Camp Gordon Johnson in Florida, and later, in 1943 to Camp Pickett, Va.
In July, 1943, he was sent to England and in June; 1944, France.

He has been awarded the Defense Ribbon, The European theater of Operation Stars for active duty in Normandy, Germany and France.
He wears the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and an Expert Infantry Combat Badge.