Edward R. Eckerle Died Jan. 31, 2018

Edward R. Eckerle

Died January 31, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Edward Ralph Eckerle, 70, of Lake Leelanau, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018 at home surrounded by his family and friends.

Ed was born on August 21, 1947 in Traverse City, the son of Ferdinand and Mary Ann (Wahl) Eckerle.  On June 24, 1995 in Lake Leelanau, he married Donna Dunklow, who survives.

Ed graduated from Suttons Bay HS and served in the U.S. Army.  He then became a deputy and K-9 handler for his beloved dog, Chico, for the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Dept. and retired after 25 years of service.  After retirement, he re-established Eckerle Construction, doing numerous jobs for family and friends.  Ed was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved to golf (quarters), enjoyed traveling, and was co-owner of the 8-Ball club in Curtis, Michigan.

In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by his siblings, Alice (Jim) Cunningham, Albert (Liz Venie), James (Shirley), and Thomas Eckerle; many nieces and nephews; in-laws, Bill (Annie) Dunklow, Sue (Richard) Plamondon, Dave (Joan) Dunklow, Ron (Debbie) Dunklow, Gerry (Shirley) Dunklow, Sandi (Terry) Gilland, Lori (Wayne) Kilway, and Jeff (Angie) Dunklow.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Gerald; and sister-in-law, Bernadette “Bernie” Eckerle.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 9, 2018 at from 4:30 p.m. to the start of the 6:30 p.m. Rosary at Martinson Funeral Home, Suttons Bay.  The memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, Suttons Bay, with family greeting friends one hour prior to the mass.  Fr. Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.  Private interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery will be held in the spring. 

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Angie and the staff at Munson Oncology D5 as well as to Dr. Word and the staff at CFCC, and Hospice of Michigan, especially Tonya, Ashley, and Shelley for their wonderful care of Ed.

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy., Traverse City, MI 49686 and/or Munson Oncology c/o, Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684 and/or to St. Michael’s Church, P.O. Box 9, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Ed's family below or on our Facebook page.