Joseph Eckert Jr., age 88, of Fennimore passed away on Saturday October 26, 2019 at the Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing in Fennimore. He was born on May 29, 1931 in Murdo, SD the son of Joseph Sr. and Cleone (Wachter) Eckert. Joe was united in marriage to Mary Ann (Dresen) Olson on January 24, 1970.
Joe proudly served in the United States Army from Nov. 12, 1952 until being honorably discharged on Nov. 12, 1954 during the Korean War. Joe was stationed at the White House in Washington D.C. where he was a driver setting up communications for President Eisenhower. Joe returned home and drove milk truck in Iowa and Wisconsin. In 1970, he became part owner of Edge Brother’s Construction, building numerous bridges throughout Southwest Wisconsin. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing, cribbage, euchre, stopping and having a cold one, along with the shake a day, grabbing a lottery ticket or pull tabs, or flipping quarters. Joe loved being with his family and friends. One of Joe’s fondest memories was being able to go for car rides with Vince Lease and drive throughout Millville, and being selected to be a part of the Honor Flight on Oct. 22, 2016.
Joe is survived by his children; Jodie C. Eckert (Joe Napp) of Fennimore, Sandy (Butch) Schaefer of Fennimore, Dave Olson of Woodman, Mark Olson of Poynette, daughter-in-law Susan Olson of Fennimore, 16 grandchildren; Lynsie Eckert, Isaac Fritz, Korbin Fritz, Becky (Tim) Turben, Danielle (Ned) Witzig, Mark Olson, Adam Olson, Drew Olson, Trisha (Nate) Campbell, Bryan Olson, Carley Olson, Beth (Tommy) Gleason, Shelly Olson, Justin Starkey, Mike (Jessie) Starkey, Rilee Starkey, Ziggy, Sox, and Charlie Bird (AKA-the Schaefer zoo), four step grandchildren; Jennifer (Justin) Moon, Cody (Kaylee) Napp, Rachel (Shane) Childers, Darrel (Shannon) Moll, 14 great-grandchildren, 8 step great-grandchildren, five siblings; Robert Eckert Sr. of Millville, Betty (Don) Wetter of Boscobel, Bonnie (Tom) Reynolds of Hartland Four Corners, VT, Mary Bremmer of Prairie du Chein, and Chuck (Nancy) Eckert of Boscobel along with several nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, ex-wife Mary Ann (Olson) Eckert, special friend Arlene Holub, daughter and son-in-law Sheila and Ronald Starkey, two sons Daniel and Michael “Mick” Olson, two daughter-in-laws Jaye and Sherril Olson, great granddaughters Shelby and Morgan Gleason, sister Alice Jones, brother-in-law John Bremmer.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday evening Oct. 30, 2019 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until the time of service at the funeral home on Wednesday afternoon. Burial of his cremated remains will be held at a later date. In lieu of plants and flowers memorials would be greatly appreciated.