Helen Symank Eckert

Helen Symank Eckert was born March 1, 1932 in Marlin, Texas. She was baptized in 1932 at Grace Lutheran in Marlin. Confirmed at St. Paul in Austin, Texas in June 1945 and on May 17, 1987 she transferred to Our Savior Lutheran from Immanuel Lutheran in the Houston Heights area. Helen married Edgar Louis Eckert on May 5, 1951 in Austin, Texas at St. Paul’s. They were married 61 years.

Helen was a mother of three (3): daughter, Diane Dodson and her husband, David; son, Timothy Eckert and his wife, Jodie; and was preceded in death by son, Michael Eckert. She had one (1) sister, Gladys Viehweg of Salt Lake City, Utah and was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Bethke of Austin, Texas. Helen had 7 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and 4 step-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by grandson, Ryan Dodson. She will be loved and missed by numerous nieces and nephews. Helen loved being a mother, grandmother and a great grandmother. She enjoyed every program, recital, sports event and graduation!

Helen enjoyed being a member of Bon Appetit. She was also a cookie baker for the shut-ins, a church greeter, and a gatehouse and church office volunteer. Helen loved “old” musical movies and had a special fondness for John Wayne. On TV she would watch the Food Network and Law and Order. Ed and Helen met when Helen asked him to the Walther League Valentine’s Day Party many years ago. She was given the nickname “PETE” by her uncle. She kept the nickname during her childhood. When she was married she went from “PETE” to “HELEN”! Helen managed to work at Keystone Valve for 30 plus years and was a University of Texas fan!!!

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Arthritis Foundation, American Diabetic Association or Forward Faithfully of Our Savior Lutheran Church.

When the end was near, Helen looked up at Jodie and Ed and said, “I’m tired and want to go home.” She had tears in her eyes. While reminiscing, Ed took out a picture of Helen and said, “I love this picture of her. It’s the way she looked when we met. She was 19 years old.” With tears in his eyes he said, “I was one love-sick puppy.”