Walter Richard Eckert, Jr.

Walter Richard Eckert, Jr., known to his family and friends as Richard, Dick, or Rich, died at his Town of Fond du Lac home on Monday, May 16, 2016, at the age of 90. Richard was born January 16, 1926, in Fond du Lac, to Walter R. Eckert, Sr. and Bernice Irene (Retzleff) Eckert. Richard grew up on the “west side” of town and attended Fond du Lac schools. He was set to graduate with the Fond du Lac High School, class of 1944, however, after enlisting with the Army Air Corp in January, received orders and shipped out in April, often saying, “he fought the war behind a desk in Texas.”After the war, Richard returned to Fond du Lac, and found employment with Blakely Auto Parts. On June 7, 1947, Dick married Muriel Fuszard at First Baptist Church. Although they later divorced, they remained friends and worked together for the good of their two children. In the early 1960’s, Rich started his own engine rebuilding business, Rich’s Engine Service. His bookkeeper and encourager was Mary Lea (Traxler) Stoddart and on February 28, 1970, they were married in Clinton, Iowa. She preceded him in death on December 6, 2011.Rich loved the outdoors, saying it was where he best communed with God. After a day at work, he would return home and work on the “farm,” be it beekeeping, lawn mowing, firewood gathering, or tree planting. In 1987, he set aside 25 acres in the Wisconsin Managed Forest Law program and proudly posted his Tree Farm sign, having planted over 16,000 trees, most of them by hand. He told many people that by planting trees, he was green before being green was popular.Mary Lea and Dick loved spending time with their families and friends. They also enjoyed traveling and went to many engine rebuilder trade shows throughout the United States. Later in life, spontaneous weekend getaways to various casinos in Wisconsin brought them enjoyment.Grateful for having shared his life are his children: Sonia (Wayne) Johnston of Ripon, and Lynne (Roger) Belling of Fond du Lac; along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Melissa (Tyler) Parra and sons, Kyle and Keegan; Evan (Becca) Kottke and son, Jackson; Vanessa (Miguel) Hernandez and daughter, Naomi and son, Angel; and Brayden (fiancée Coral Koch) Kottke. In addition, he leaves behind a sister, Nancy (Albert) Green; a special nephew, David (Christine) Miller; nieces: Crystal (Jeff) Marks and Kerry (Dwight) Hoekstra; his four step-daughters and their families: Lynda Bacon Lawlis (friend, Gary Anderson), Marcia (James) Pflum, Suzanne Stoddart, and Karen (William) Rangel; and his former son-in-law, Steve (Liz) Kottke.A celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church, 721 E Scott St, Fond du Lac, on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at 4:00 p.m., with Rev. Gary Zacharias officiating. Family will greet friends from 1:00 pm until the time of service. Inurnment will follow at Estabrooks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider placing a birdfeeder in your back yard or even better, planting a tree in his memory. Many thanks to those who helped care for Dad: to his step-daughter, Karen, who with her help allowed us to grant Dad his wish to remain in his home; to Denny Luther, who when Mary Lea died, remained true to his word and called weekly to check in on Dad’s welfare; to Dr. Russell Fredrickson and Mary, Dr. James Wright and Judi, Dr. Bret Pasiuk and Lisa; to Dad’s “girlfriends” at Agnesian’s Dialysis Center for their wonderful care; to Agnesian Hospice for their deep compassion; and to his granddaughter, Vanessa, for coming from Texas when the going got rough, to help walk her Grandpa home. Last but not least, to everyone who has ever donated blood, thank you for the true gift of life!

Walter Richard Eckert, Jr.

January 16, 1926 - May 16, 2016