Earl J. Eckert

WAYNE — Earl J. Eckert, 89, Wayne, died Feb. 8, 2018, at Brookdale Senior Living, Wayne. Visitation and a prayer service were Feb. 12 at the United Methodist Church, Laurel. Funeral services were Feb. 13 at the United Methodist Church, Laurel, with Rev. Dr. Dave York officiating. Burial, with military honors, was in the Concord Cemetery, Concord. Arrangements were under the direction of Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home, Wakefield. Earl was born Sept. 29, 1928, at the family farm outside of Dixon, to William and Bernice (Swift) Eckert. In May 1945, Earl graduated from the Dixon High School. He married Wilma L. Albrektson July 21, 1948, at the Presbyterian Parsonage, Wakefield. The couple made their home near Dixon, where he farmed and operated a corn sheller. In January 1952, he entered the United States Army and was deployed with the 96th AAA Battalion to Alaska, during the Korean War. Earl and Wilma lived in Alaska for over a year, while Earl was assigned to the motor pool and the mobile gun unit to move artillery guns in Alaska. After his time in the service, he returned home and farmed with his dad. He farmed for the rest of his life. Earl also worked for Dixon County for over 20 years as a heavy equipment operator. In his spare time Earl restored IH crawlers and took them to many shows and parades. Earl never really retired, he was always active with the farm and always stayed in touch with his 96th AAA Battalion. Even though Earl was always busy, he always made time for his family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Earl is survived by his wife of 69 years, Wilma L., Wayne; daughters, Marilyn (David) Abts, Laurel, and Anita Eckert, Laurel; sister, Norma Penlerick, Wayne; grandchildren, Angela Abts, Eric (Christy) Abts, Julie (Nick) Kvols, Jacob Eckert Fleischmann and Joshua Eckert Fleischmann; and great-grandchildren, Carter Kvols, Carlie Kvols, Claire Kvols, Ross Abts and Chayce Abts. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Wilma Jean Penlerick; brothers-in-law, Ronald Penlerick, LeRoy Penlerick and Earl Dean Leonard. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.