Bernhard "Berni" Wilhelm Eckhardt, age 83, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2017 in his home with family and friends at his side. He was born March 6, 1934 and preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Sunny Veil Eckhardt, on July 28, 2017; by his son, Winfried Eckhardt; and by his parents Wilhelm and Elizabeth Eckhardt of Germany. After moving to America from Germany in 1956, Bernie was drafted into the US Army and served his new country from 1957 - 1959. After serving in the Army he became an Electrician and owned his own company serving all of the Broward and Dade county area. He was a long-standing member of Kiwanis. Berni and Sunny were residents of Lauderdale by the Sea, and together served as volunteers for many events and town organizations throughout the years. They were founding members of the Cops on Patrol local chapter, and involved in the Navy League. He is survived by his brother, Norbert Eckhardt, of Germany; son Siggi and daughter-in-law Lonna; daughter Scarlet; grandchildren Rhett, Alicia, Aaron, Matthew and wife Olya, Christina, Mallissa, Kylie and Kaylee; and four great granddaughters. Family, friends and neighbors will dearly miss him. Berni will be interned at Forrest Lawn Memorial Gardens South Pyramid at 11:00 on November 4, 2017.
