Carl J. Eckman age 89 passed away peacefully on Saturday April 20, 2013 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. He was born June 27, 1923 in Whitehall WI, to Charles and Hilda (Johnson) Eckman. After serving his country in the Philippines during WWII he was honorably discharged on April 1, 1946. During his service, Carl received numerous medals, honors and ribbons including the Purple Heart.
He married Aloydis Helstad in Blair, WI on June 29, 1946. They owned and operated the grocery store in Iduna, WI. They farmed for 33 years on Carl's home farm in Peterson Coulee Blair, WI where they raised four children.
Carl worked at Owl Motors in Winona, MN and Fort McCoy in the heavy machine maintenance department. Later he worked in the building and grounds maintenance department which he retired from on June 30, 1985.
Carl enjoyed fishing and camping with family and friends, restoring Mustangs and inventing, carpentry, playing cards, the Green Bay Packers and spending time with his family.
Carl is survived by: wife, Aloydis, Blair, WI, four children, Audrey Holland, Brooklyn, WI, Lou Ann (Ron) Weldon, LaCrosse, WI, Gary (ElJane) Eckman, Blair, WI and Carol (Steve) Sill, Stoddard, WI. Nine grandchildren: Denise (Matt) Stack, Sandy Holland, Brian (Michelle) Holland, Melissa (Todd) Delaney, Chad (Becky) Eckman, Travis (friend Angie) Eckman, Brittnie (Mike) McMahon, Tara (fiancé Aaron) Weldon and Nicole (Matt) Martin. Fourteen great grandchildren: Teagen, Lily, Jacqueline, Kyle, Jentri, Zachary, Marissa, Alyssa, Nicholas, Mikayla (Danny), Brett, Alivya, Austin, and Allison. Two great- great grandchildren: Alyn and Kiara. He is also survived by cousins.
He was preceded in death by: His parents, sisters, Helen (twin) and Verna, son-in-law, Harv Holland and Grandson Mark Holland.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday April 24, 2013 at 11:00 am in the Fagernes Lutheran Church rural Blair. Rev. Rhia Wilken will be officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 -7:00 pm on Tuesday April 23, 2013 in the Jack Funeral Home, Blair, and
also one hour prior to services at the church.