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THOMAS ECKRICH Obituary
THOMAS J. ECKRICH, 72, of Clear Lake, formerly of Fort Wayne, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2010, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born Dec. 10, 1937, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Herman and Pauline Eckrich. He attended Central Catholic High School and then the University of Notre Dame. He held numerous positions with Peter Eckrich & Sons before venturing into real estate development. His first project was Canterbury Green, which led to many more apartment projects in Fort Wayne, Okalahoma, North Carolina, Texas, and Ohio. He also branched out to commercial and residential developments in Fort Wayne, including the Sycamore Hills residential community. A strong advocate for Fort Wayne, he was a past Chamber of Commerce Chairman, sat on multiple boards and advised numerous start-up companies. He was very involved in his Catholic faith, and was instrumental in starting the Little Flower Holy Hour at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. His life passions included time with family, sailing, woodworking, golf, and water skiing (winning third place at the 1956 Nationals). He was involved in many organizations including the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Clear Lake Yacht Club (past Commodore), Notre Dame Club, Big Brothers, Indiana Apartment Association, St. Paul's Catholic Church, in Clear Lake, Franciscan Missions, Fort Wayne Business Forum, and Young Presidents Organization. In 1957, he married his grade school sweetheart, Sally Schenkel, who was his greatest supporter and best friend. They had five children, Tom Jr. (Katie), Ann (David) Arnold, and Chris (Carol Ann) of Fort Wayne, Bill (Kathleen) of Indianapolis, and Tony (Lora) of Grosse Pointe, Mich. He is also survived by his 18 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brothers Herman (Jeanne) of Darien, Conn. and David (Judy) of South Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul Catholic Chapel, 8780 E 700N, Fremont, with calling one hour prior to Mass. Fr. Phil Schneider officiating. Calling also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, at D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, with a Rosary service at 8:30 p.m. Burial in Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials to Franciscan Missions (brother, Tony's school fund), Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy or Thomas J. Eckrich Scholarship Fund. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.mccombandsons.comTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS ECKRICH
April 18, 2010
Dear Sally and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Please accept my sincere sympathy at this difficult time. Margaret (Candler)Kozak
Thomas & Sally McGovern
April 15, 2010
Dear Sally and Family:
We just learned about Tom's passing tonight in Today's Catholic. We are so sorry to hear about your loss and will pray for him and you. He was such a God-send to us when we moved to Fort Wayne 10 years ago. Without him, our move would not have been possible. His great generosity in providing a home for us enabled us to move to Fort Wayne. He introduced as to Fr. Koers (may he rest in peace) and Saint Patrick's-Arcola, both very important in our lives. We loved his zest for life, and I (Tom) was happy that the last time I saw him was at a very lively event when Fr. Larry Richards spoke at a Men's conference two months ago to help us be better men. Tom was trying to be that better man until the end.
Love,
Tom and Sally McGovern
April 15, 2010
Dear Sally and family,
I was privileged to work with Tom at Northill- years ago. Tom was kind and gentle man and leader who showed respect to everyone from corprate leaders to the accounting clerks. I learn a lot from Toms example. God bless you all and my symapthy to you.
Pam Miller-Reinking
Sara Herman
April 14, 2010
May God's love cover you always!!!
The Meso Family
April 13, 2010
Sally and Family,
We thought the world of Tom. He was a great man, a good neighbor and has a fabulous family. He was pleasure to know, a true catholic gentleman from a bygone era with boundless energy. Clear Lake will not be the same without him. Our prayers will be with you both.
Our deepest sympathies,
Terry & Rita Brown
April 12, 2010
Sally and Family,
We send our deepest sympathy and prayers. Rita are I are so sorry that we won't be there to celebrate Tom's life and his homecoming. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Peace
Mary Celeste Rooks
April 12, 2010
Dear Sally and Family,
So sorry to hear about Tom.
Our condolences and prayers
are with you..
Love from
Aunt Mary Celeste Schenkel Rooks
and all the Rooks in Florida....
Ruth Lawrence
April 12, 2010
Marg joins me in extending sincere sympathy to Sally and the family upon learning of Tom's recent passing. Words are trite at a time such as this. He will certainly be remembered in our hearts and in our prayers.
Marg Kennedy and Ruth Lawrence
Pat and Caryl Malone
April 12, 2010
Dear Sally and family, a good friend called Sunday morning to tell me about Tom passing away. I was in shock. Tom was the best boss I have ever had and a good friend. We are so sorry for your loss and will continue to pray for you and your family. Our deepest smypathy.
Terry & Cheryl Larson
April 11, 2010
HI Sally, Cheryl and I are very saddened to hear about the loss of Tom. He was truly a great man and he was always ready to help anyone on and around the lake. Cheryl and I remember the first time we met you and Tom, our boys were chocking each other and we thought what a bad first impression, but I guess with all of the boys you and Tom have been around you were probably used to that kind of rough house. Anyway we will really miss Tom, watching him work around the lake and going back and forth on his golf cart.
Annie Eckrich
April 11, 2010
Sally, we never got the "Family" all together, but I hope we can still share with you many fond memories. Shall keep all of you in my prayers and am so very sad for you and your wonderful family. With much, much love, Annie Eckrich
The Redman Family
April 11, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
Tom Mayers
April 11, 2010
Sally,
My deepest sympathy to your and your family in this time of sorrow.
My prayers are with your family.
Don and Carol Menze
April 11, 2010
To the Eckrich Family,
Carol and I just learned of the passing of Tom. We are so sorry and want to offer our condolences to you, Sally, and your kids and grandkids.
We know Tom was a good Husband, a good Father and Grandfather, and was extremely committed to his Church. I also found Tom to be a great motivator, super idea man, with lots of energy and relished the challenges.
We are in Naples and are unable to pay our respects in person, but we are thankful for the opportunity to convey our thoughts in the Guest Book. God's Blessings to all.
With Sympathy,
Don and Carol Menze
Jack & Carol Kelty
April 11, 2010
Tom and your entire family will be remembered in our daily rosary. He was a wonderful example of what a sincere Catholic should be and do.
Ed & Anne Effinger
April 11, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
April 10, 2010
God bless his soul
phil & anne Teders
Mary Jo Fitzenrider
April 10, 2010
Sally and Family- Jon and I are shocked and saddened by the loss of Tom. He loved his family first and foremost. He was a good and loyal friend to many and served his communities throughout his life. He will be missed.
Take Care of Yourselves, We are Thinking of you
Jon and Mary Jo Fitzenrider- Clear Lake
April 10, 2010
Tom Tuttle just called an informed me of Tom's passing. Sally, my sympathies go out to you and your family. It was nice that we all got together back in 2007. I am sure he will be missed by his many friends and family. Sincerely, Nancy Scheidt Pickens
Jim & Marty Rissing
April 10, 2010
May God Bless you and your family during this time of sorry, our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.
Geri & Jim Herber
April 10, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill Bok
April 10, 2010
Eckrich Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful man which is represented by a wonderful family that Tom and Sally created. Nothing but great memories at the lake.
The entire Bok Family
Tony & Linda Myers
April 10, 2010
Please accept our sympathy and prayers. Tom will be greatly missed.
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