Herbert Ernst Eckmann
Feb 18, 1936 -
Sep 30, 2023
Herbert Ernst Eckmann, a German immigrant and Anchorage, Alaska, business leader whose life story epitomized the American Dream, died on Sept. 30, 2023. He was 87.
As owner of Alaska Sausage and Seafood Company, Herbert was a fixture in the local business community for six decades. He established himself early as a savvy businessman with exceptional instincts who understood the importance of a quality product, treated his employees and associates fairly, and always put his customers first.
What began as a small, struggling game processing operation grew rapidly under Herbert's leadership. Offerings expanded to include custom fish processing, gourmet sausages and smoked Alaska salmon sold throughout Alaska, and European exports. His radio ads made his German accent familiar all over the state, including his signature line, "Just tell 'em Herb sent you!" He was recognized while waiting in line or in public venues just by the sound of his voice.
Born in February 1936, in Rugen, East Germany, an island in the Baltic Sea, Herbert's childhood years were powerfully shaped by World War II and its aftermath. His father was called away to serve in the German army and never returned. His mother Helene, who was left to raise Herbert and his younger brother Rudolf on her own in Russian-occupied East Germany, labored to build a laundromat business only to have the Russian government conscript all her equipment, leaving her with nothing. Sometimes they ate only potatoes and cabbage found in local fields.
Shortly after his 15th birthday, Herbert traveled 350 miles from home to become a chef's apprentice. After a couple of years his mother's life in East Germany became intolerable; unauthorized travel was not allowed so Helene made plans to sneak out of the country and hired a near stranger to get Herbert and Rudolf and escort them to West Germany where she would be waiting. Their escort was arrested during the escape process, leaving Herbert, only 17, to lead himself and his brother to freedom without help – which he did, through a series of remarkable circumstances which Herbert always believed were providentially inspired, and for which he never stopped being grateful.
In West Germany, Herbert continued his work as a chef's apprentice, moving steadily to more complex jobs with greater responsibility, eventually working for the United Nations hotel on the shores of Lake Geneva. He saved his money and studied English, French and Spanish every night so he could communicate with international customers, then enrolled in hotel management school in Heidelberg, Germany. It was there that he met Eva Eitel, a German student who he married a year after he graduated.
At age 26, he flew to Anchorage in search of opportunities, leaving his wife and baby son behind him in Germany. They joined him later that same year. Lean times awaited the young family, as Herbert could not find work in the restaurant industry and they spent a cold winter in a drafty trailer with limited heat. Herbert took a job cutting meat for Lou's Market on 9th and Gambell. Recognizing a need among Alaska's hunters, he and his friend Otto Poehling opened the doors of Alaska Sausage Company in June 1963.
After 10 years of successful partnership, Herbert bought Otto's share of the business and was sole leader of the Company for 33 more years until his son Martin took over in 2007.
An avid outdoorsman, Herbert loved to hunt, fish, ski, ice skate and hike. For years, he climbed Flattop several times a week after work. He took the family on river float trips and camping excursions. He flew in charter planes all over the state hunting for moose, caribou, sheep, bear and fowl, all of which he field dressed with a legendary commitment to keeping his meat clean. He had a deep love and admiration for Alaska, which he considered the most beautiful place on Earth.
Eva died of cancer in 2002, after which Herbert met and married Kathryn Malotte. Herbert and Kathryn enjoyed almost 20 years together travelling, gardening, hosting friends and family, and visiting the lake cabin they built together in Willow. He was devoted to his family and was never happier than when he was in their midst.
Herbert served on the board of Alaska Children's Services, AK Child and Family, for 20 years and was active in the Rotary Club and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Central Lutheran Church for decades and served on their board. Currently he was a member of Word of Life Lutheran.
He had many friends and was adept at keeping them, maintaining contact with childhood acquaintances and frequently meeting friends for coffee. He and Otto, lifetime friends, walked together every day until just a few weeks ago.
Herbert is survived by his wife, Kathryn; three children and spouses, Sebastian Eckmann and Nancy Gehm, Iris and Russ Morton, Martin and Robin Eckmann; grandchildren, Anneliese Eckmann, Karl and Alexa Eckmann, Leah Morton, David Morton, Heidi Eckmann, Cameron Eckmann and Trevor Eckmann; sister-in-law, Jutta Kappel; niece, Alea Eckmann and her daughters Enya and Yuna; and a rich circle of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rudolf; and first wife, Eva.
A memorial service for Herbert will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, at 2 p.m., at Central Lutheran Church, followed by a Celebration of Life Reception from 4-6 p.m. at Changepoint Church. More information and instructions for streaming the service can be found on the Herbert Eckmann memorial website at mykeeper.com. Site visitors can write a tribute or send a message to the family.
Donations in Herbert's honor may be made to one of the charities he was proud to support: AK Child and Family, the Alaska Christian College or the Anchorage Gospel Rescue Mission.
