Eugene “Arky” Alton Eckholm, 84, passed away in Sartell, MN on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. at First Lutheran Church, 408 9th St. NW, Mandan on Friday, March 20, 2026, followed by a time of fellowship and lunch at the Mandan Moose.

Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck.

Eugene Alton Eckholm was born February 23, 1942, in Bismarck, ND, the son of Sulo and Maggie (Neff) Eckholm. He was raised in the Wing area until the family moved to Mandan in 1955. He worked for Theil Construction, traveling out of state, installing phone lines. Gene enjoyed car racing and in the early 1960’s was the proud driver of car #177.

On October 8, 1966, Gene married Janet Sundby in Mandan. To this union, they welcomed sons, Harlan and Darren.

Arky worked in hospitality for most of his life. He was the manager of several fraternal organizations, including the Mandan Moose and the Valley City, Devils Lake and Bismarck Elks Clubs. He also managed the Devils Lake Country Club for a time and served at Mr. and Mrs. J’s Restaurant. He drove truck during the flooding in Devils Lake and also did some long-distance transport for Weist Transportation.

In the early 2000’s they moved to Mandan to be close to their family and welcome their grandson Jayden into the world. Arky continued his stint in hospitality, working at the Mandan Moose, the Ramkota, Sanford as a valet driver and in 2014 started at Touchmark Retirement Community.

He enjoyed traveling and took many trips with his wife Jan before her passing in 2012. He also took many trips with his boys. He was an active lifetime member of both the Elks and Moose Clubs.

He is survived by his sons, Harlan (Kathy) and Darren (Sundi); grandchildren, Marlana Moore, Justin Moore and Jayden Eckholm and his fiancée, Cheyenne Berger; sister-in-law, Sandy Eckholm; brother-in-law, Ray Hoff and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife of 45 years; parents; brother, Donny Eckholm and sister, Marian Hoff.