Marie J. Eckhart

Marie J. Eckhart passed away on Thursday May 1, 2025 at Kavanaugh House in Des Moines, Iowa. Private graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Resthaven Cemetery.

Marie leaves behind her two sons, Douglas Eckhart (Krista) of West Des Moines, and Brian Eckhart (Wendy) of Windsor Heights; grandchildren, Nicholas Eckhart (Waukee), Natalie Eckhart (West Des Moines), Nicole Eckhart (West Des Moines), Joey Eckhart (Windsor Heights) and Daniel Eckhart (West Des Moines); two great grandchildren, Aubrey Eckhart and Tommi Roach, plus many more extended family members and friends that loved her very much. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Lorena Brown; brothers William Brown and Grover Brown; sister in-laws Nancy Brown and Sue Brown; and nephew James Brown.

Marie Eckhart was born on July 16, 1936 to Oliver and Lorena (Anderson) Brown in Detroit, MI. Marie was the third of three children and grew up Detroit. She married Joseph “Chris” Eckhart in 1959 in Detroit. Marie and Chris lived in multiple cities from 1959 – 1967 as Chris’ career developed. They moved to Mexico City, Mexico in 1967 and while living there, Marie gave birth to her two sons. In 1973 she and her family moved back to Iowa and eventually settled in Windsor Heights in 1974. Marie and Chris divorced in 1978, but remained friends for the remainder of Chris’ life (he passed in 2020). Marie started a position at the Wittern Group in 1984 and remained a loyal and dedicated employee until retiring in 2020.

Marie was a loving and caring mother to her two sons and their families. She loved being a grandmother and was very proud and loved all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marie loved to travel when she was younger and enjoyed spending time with her many friends and family. Marie owned several dogs over her life and loved each of them very much. She was a fan of visiting various casinos and always enjoyed playing her favorite slot machines. Marie will be greatly missed by her family and friends and will always be remembered as a person who put the needs of her family for whom she loved deeply, above herself.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Everystep Kavanaugh House.