Robert Theodore Eckhardt

1926-2008

Robert Theodore Eckhardt passed away on Monday, February 18th with his family at his side.  Robert was born on August 14th, 1926 to Jacob Eckhardt and Katherine Heimbischner Eckhardt. He grew up in Billings with 14 siblings. He served in the Navy on the USS Sperry from December 1944 to July 1946 attaining rank of 2nd Class Seaman. He met Violet Gabel in August of 1947 at a dance in Shepherd, MT, marrying the love of his life on June 27th, 1948.

Bob worked at Midland Packing Company for 42 years where he was looked upon as a good leader and well-liked.  After retirement he worked as a seasonal employee at In Bloom Nursery selling flowers and Christmas trees for five years.  He enjoyed visiting with customers.

Bob and Vi enjoyed many fishing trips with family, relatives and friends to Martinsdale, Ruby Lake and Cliff Lake, enjoyed hunting with his son and grandsons and enjoyed bowling on a Senior League at Fireside Lanes. One year his team was league champion.  He coached his son Gene in baseball until he reached the Legion program.  Bob especially enjoyed attending ten of the past thirteen USS Sperry ship reunions making lifetime friendships with past seamen.  Bob and his family especially enjoyed processing wild game in their home shop for fifteen years where he enjoyed telling stories to his customers.  Bob was a member of the American Legion, Yellowstone Post #4 for nearly 40 years.

Bob was on dialysis at Billings Clinic for the past three years where he made several friends. A special thanks is given to Dr. Gregory Mock and the nurses at the dialysis unit at Billings Clinic, as well as Dr. Daniel Gall and Dr. Paul Loveau, for care they gave to Bob.

Bob is survived by his wife, Violet, son Gene (Dawn) of Laurel, one step-grandson, Msgt. Colin Stevick USAF ( Julia) of Bossier City, Louisiana; grandson LTJG Chad Eckhardt USCG (Jennifer) of Jacksonville, FL; and three great-grandchildren Rachel and Rebecca Stevick and Marisa Eckhardt.  Another great granddaughter is expected in May.  Also surviving are seven sisters Freda (Ed) Fode, Clara Hensley, Mae Sartorie (Richard), Irene Cook, Betty Strecker (John), Delores Luff and Alice Stene (Andy); two brothers, Arthur or Sonny Eckhardt and his friends Jose Godinez and Leo Eckhardt.

Deceased family members include his parents, sisters Helen Williams and Agnes Eckhardt and brothers Theodore, Richard, and Wilbur Eckhardt.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, February 22nd at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 409 South 36th Street in Billings. Burial with military honors will be at Mountview Cemetery in Billings following services. The casket will be open for viewing on Thursday from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary as well as at church prior to the service.

Donations can be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice, Pilgrim Congregational Church or Dialysis Unit at Billings Clinic.