Eugene Ecker

Eugene Toll Ecker (Gene) passed away suddenly on June 5, 2025, two weeks shy of his 92nd birthday, and nearly nine years after his cherished wife, Sandy.

Born in 1933 in Chicago to Fred and Dorothy Ecker, Gene grew up with his younger brother, Bob, and attended Elmwood Park Presbyterian Church and Oak Park High School. He was at home both in the city and in the wilds of the Des Plaines River, and had the freedom to roam with friends his mother called the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” Though he became an upstanding citizen, he once stole a streetcar bell and mounted it to the roof of his mother’s car.

Before graduating from DePauw in 1955, he fell in love with Sandra Allan, his “greatest blessing.” Married in 1956, their life included Gene’s stint stateside in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, the start of his career in Human Resources for a large manufacturer, the births of their son and daughter, and the growing acquisition of various camping equipment, which Gene, Sandy, Judy and Jeff used most weekends at Indiana Dunes State Park, and for longer trips in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and around the U.S. and Canada. Judy and Jeff still regret they didn't keep the camp kitchen Gene built out of a sheet of plywood.

Gene lived his faith and patriotism with quiet, steady conviction and deep humility. A lifelong learner and volunteer, in retirement he honed his photography, sailing and kayaking skills, taught himself woodworking, obtained his pilot’s license, and mastered his iPhone so he could keep up with his grandchildren. His greatest delight in recent years was time and travel with children and grandchildren, seeing some of his grandchildren as devoted parents, and getting to know his great-grandchildren.

Gene is survived by his daughter, Judy Budreau (Dick Osgood) and son, Jeff Ecker (Debbie Ecker), grandchildren Stefanie, Mike, Caroline, Paul, Suzy and John, 11-and-counting great-grandchildren, his beloved brother, Bob and much-loved niece Katie, other dear family, and a host of friends, old and new. He taught us to be good people.

The family invites you to the Celebration of Gene’s Life at First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater on Monday, June 30 at 11:00 A.M. with luncheon at the church to follow; visitation at 10:00 A.M. one hour prior to the service. Private inurnment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will take place at a future date. Memorials preferred to Valley Outreach, where Gene and Sandy were longtime volunteers.

Livestream for Eugene Ecker's Service