Robert Aurther Eckhardt

Robert (Bob) Eckhardt, 92, of Greeley, passed away Friday, October 26, 2018. He was born in Greeley, Colorado to John E and Katie (Steinmiller) Eckhardt on November 22, 1925. He was the youngest of six children. Bob attended Valley View and Greeley schools and took accordion lessons at a young age. He played accordion and piano his entire life and was always known for his ability to play nearly any song if you could hum a few bars. Bob served in World II, having trained at Camp Roberts, California and Fort Benning, Georgia as a machine gunner with the 71st Infantry Division in the European Campaign. During the period of occupation he was a designated jeep driver and entertained his fellow soldiers with accordions found along the route. Bob received a Bronze Star for his bravery in saving his Lieutenant and the Purple Heart for an associated injury. He was discharged as a Staff Sergeant.

Bob married Elsie Pearl Miller December 14, 1947 in Ft. Morgan, CO. They farmed south of Kersey from 1947 and retired to Greeley in 1983. Throughout his life he played his accordion with fellow musician friends on Friday nights and at many small dances and events where he enjoyed not only polkas but popular and western music. Bob was a fisherman’s fisherman where no weather was too bad to fish, the earlier in the morning the better, and there is always a bigger one. Bob also enjoyed bowling and golfing where his buddies called him the “Duke”.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Elsie; Son John and wife Trudy (Pritchard) of Loveland, Colorado; Daughter Linda and husband Ed Printz of Platteville, Colorado; Grandchildren Heidi (Jeff) Abrahamson of Loveland, Colorado, Matt (Kari) Printz of Elm Creek, Nebraska , Heather (Jim) Huntley of Loveland, Colorado and Ben Printz of Greeley, Colorado; Great Grandchildren Brodee and Emma Dodson, Nathan and Julia Abrahamson, Jameson and Scarlett Printz; Sisters-in-law Dickie Riedel of Denver, Colorado, Dorothy Mae Hobbs of Ft. Morgan, Colorado, Esther Bernhardt of Ft. Morgan, Colorado; Brothers-in-law Harold (Pat) Miller of Denver, Colorado, Leo August of Brush, Colorado and many nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by Brother Jim (Lillian) Eckhardt, Sisters Elsie (Bert) Bush, Edith (Glen) Shupe, Elma (Oliver) McAvoy; Brothers-in-law Robert (Colleen) Miller, Harry (Teri) Miller, Al Riedel, Harvey (Leona) Miller, Clyde (Elva) Miller, Leonard Bernhardt, Howard Hobbs; Sisters-in-law Mildred (Victor) Feyerherm, Mirdie (Lester) Wilhelmson, Bonnie August; Great Grandchildren: Jacob and Jaylon Abrahamson.

A Graveside service will be held at 9:00 am, Monday, November 5, 2018 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3400 W. 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.

Gifts may be made to your favorite veteran’s charity in honor of Robert A. Eckhardt.