Rudolph F. Eckert

Rudolph F. "Rudy" Eckert 89, W1260 Willow Avenue, Goodrich, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008 under the care of Hope Hospice and Palliative Care at his home. He was born September 24, 1918 in St. Paul, Minnesota, son of the late Carl and Marie (Kieblebeck) Eckert. On April 9, 1940 he married Dorothy Gresl at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. She survives. Most recently Rudy was known for building storage barns but he began his working career by building his own farmstead from the ground up. He farmed in the town of Goodrich since 1940 and drove pulp truck. He enjoyed creating things with his hands, did septic and well work and last of all, he worked for the Iron Workers from 1966 until his retirement in 1981. Rudy was always proud of the iron work he did and expressed that with his family, sharing stories of building the Marshfield Clinic and Hospital, Sentry Insurance, Employers Insurance Company and the Wausau Hospital. Some of Rudy's favorite pastimes included reading, building things and traveling. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Eckert, Goodrich, Ray (Gerry) Eckert, Medford, Delores Baker, Burlington, Marianne Eaton-Lewis, Kingman, Arizona, Tony (Cheryl) Eckert, Goodrich, Geri (Tom) Pulse, Eau Claire, Ann Eckert, Goodrich and Laurie (Todd) Trapp, Eau Claire, 22 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by two sons James and Donald Eckert, one granddaughter, Amy Baker, his brothers Carl, William and Bernard Eckert and three sisters, Veronica Eckert, Carol Gresl and Marie Weiler. The memorial mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2008 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Friends may call on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, 657 McComb Ave., P.O. Box 237, Rib Lake, Wis., 54470 Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com