Robert J. Eckardt

He was born June 3, 1938 in Young America to Edmund and Helen Eckardt. The family later moved to Cass Lake and eventually to Silver Bay, MN.

In 1956, Robert graduated from Two Harbors High School. He worked at the Silver Bay Drug Store while in high school then went to San Diego, CA to the Marine Corps Base Third Battalion Platoon 315. Robert stayed in the Marine Reserves for nine years. He took night classes at Old Main (UMD) and then began an apprenticeship at Reserve Mining where he became a journeyman electrician. When the plant closed in 1986, he worked thru Local 242 as a construction electrician wherever the job would take him, including Alaska. Robert retired in November 2008.

Competitively, Robert enjoyed curling, ball room dancing, and trap shooting. Robert had a pilot’s license for 13 years. His passions were flying Pipers, Cessnas, and Cherokees. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and traveling. Robert treasured his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edmund; two brother-in-laws, niece, Maria Fellmet and sister, Bonnie Nichols.

Robert is survived by his wife of 25 ½ years, Lorraine; mother, Helen of Bemidji; sisters, Gretchen Rogalla of Columbia Heights and Mary Lou (Loren) Larson of Alexandria. He is also survived by six nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews.

Lorraine would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at the Fountains for all their care given to Robert the last two weeks.

Granting his wishes, no services are planned at this time. Inurnment will be at Sunrise Memorial Park at a later date.