Eckland, Elmer "Bud" 92 years young, Elmer went to be with his Lord on October 12, 2019 surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bob. Bud grew up in Superior Wisconsin. After graduation and a day after his 18th birthday in 1945 he enlisted and served in the US Navy. He is a member of American Legion, and Elks Lodge. After his service he earned his degree in Elementary Education at University of Wisconsin, Superior. He married Harriet, his high school sweetheart. As a new family they moved to Minneapolis so Bud could teach for the Minneapolis Public Schools where he continued throughout his career. He earned his Masters Degree-ultimately becoming an Elementary Principal. Mayor Hubert Humphrey sent him to represent Minneapolis at a human rights conference in Tennessee in 1958. He followed this calling throughout his career-with a passion for community organizing. He worked with parents, teachers and children to empower all to build skills and strong communities. He was active in his church and worked to educate there as well sharing his community experience and offering opportunities for all to connect and be involved. His love of all people never slowed down as he socialized wherever he went. He is survived by his wife Harriet of 69 years, daughters, Paula (Patrick) Donnelly, Ellen (Richard) Puppe, Sara (Keith) O'Brien, and son Robert (Penny) Eckland; grandchildren Pete Donnelly, Meggan Baade, Christine Baker, Bekki Ellinghysen, Sam Puppe, Betsy Pfingsten, Emelie Jensen, Anna Anderson, Hattie Eckland, Tim Eckland, Laura Aldrich and 10 great grandchildren. We will miss him - he is in our hearts forever. Celebration of life, Thursday, October 24th at Elk River Lutheran Church, 729 Main St, Elk River. Visitation 10 am, Service 11 am. Private interment at Fort Snelling.