Glen James Eckert

Glen James Eckert, 61, of Waterloo, IL, Born April 1, 1954 in Red Bud,IL , passed into eternal peace in the company of his devoted wife and true love of 40 years, Nancy Eckert nee Schmitt on Friday, September 4, 2015. Glen is also survived by his children,  Angela (Bill) Wirth, Casey (Jean) Eckert; grandchildren, Nora and William Wirth, Sophie, Ellie and Maggie Eckert; father, Earl Eckert; sisters Marlou (Mark) Raeber and Diane (Kenny) Kern; treasured uncle James (Mary) Eckert; sister and brother-in-laws  Ken Gibbs, Greg Lane, Ruth (Dub) Bankes and Susie (Mike) Kaestner; extended family and close friends; Randy (Donna) Eckert, Royann (Jim) Touchette, Shirley (Ron) Dehn, Marcia (Don) Stroh, John Watson, Ronnie Brinkmann, Brad Karn, Ricky Kurtz, Bob Moll, Tommy Ryan, Mike Wagner, Monte Foster, and other countless family and friends.

         Throughout his nearly three year journey with glioblastoma brain cancer, his positive attitude and faith comforted his family and friends. He never complained and was truly cherished by all who touched his life. Glen was a dear friend to many and to Sparky, his ever present loving dog. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit and love of nature and wildlife. His enduring spirit is an example of a life well-lived.

         Glen retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 35 years as a Locomotive Engineer. His friends and railroad buddies filled his life with joy and laughter.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Gustavia (nee Hauptfleisch) Eckert; grandparents Richard and Anita (nee Mueller) Eckert, Gustav Hauptfleisch, Olga (nee Wilde) Hauptfleish Eichelmann and Ervin Eichelmann; uncle Roy (Ardell) Eckert; sister-in-laws Mary Anne Gibbs and Jeanne Lane, father-in-law and mother-in-law Wendell and Rita (nee Vogt) Schmitt. 

         A Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Waterloo, IL with Father Osang Idagbo C.M. & Pastor Matt Friz officiating. Immediately following the service, friends and family are invited for a Celebration of Life at Knotty Pines in Paderborn.

As an expression of sympathy, memorials may be made to:

St. Paul United Church of Christ of Floraville, Gibault Catholic High School

or Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School