NEW BERN - David Edward Eckberg, MD passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2012, at the age of 69. His struggle with Lou Gehrig's Disease lasted about three years, which, unfortunately, caused him to withdraw socially from his friends. David was born in Florence Crittenden Home in Fargo, North Dakota, January 15, 1943, and was adopted on May 1st, 1943 by Ted and Sue Eckberg, the parents he referred to as his "real" parents. His mother, Sue, was a nurse instructor, and his father, Ted, owned the local Kenmare, North Dakota newspaper, and, also, was a county commissioner.
His biological parents were Dorothy Arlene Williams and Kenneth Midstokke. David filled many of his homebound days doing genealogy research, and discovered that he was 50% Norwegian, 25% Welsh and 25% Colonial American. His biological father, Kenneth Midstokke, was Norwegian, the son of Olas H. Midstokke (Olaus H. Midstokke) and Emma Borgen. He traced his biological mother's ancestry back to 1620, and found that her ancestors were from Isle of Anglesey, Wales and Colonial America.
David is survived by his wife, Sheryl Statham Eckberg, who, because of her love, devotion and caregiving, allowed David to reside at home, peacefully. Also, he is survived by his son, David Andrew Eckberg and wife, Andrea, and his daughters, Amanda Eckberg Rice and husband Ty, Cynthia Eckberg Weatherington and husband, Tim, and Thea Eckberg Blaufuss and husband, Jon. Also, he is survived by his grandchildren, Grady Eckberg, Anna Grace Eckberg, Cassie Eckberg, Jenna Dudley, David Blaufuss and John Kurtis Blaufuss.
David graduated from The University of North Dakota in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science in Medicine. In 1969, he graduated from Wake Forest University, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, with a degree in Doctor of Medicine. David was a founding partner in New Bern Anesthesia Associates in 1974, and retired from practice in 2005.
David was an avid outdoor enthusiast. Biking was an adventure that he loved passionately. He biked with all four of his children individually, and biked with his wife through numerous countries. He and his wife took up scuba diving and traveled to many remote islands, while David pursued yet another adventure in the underwater world. David was not only an avid outdoorsman, but also, an artist, who not only painted, but was a potter as well.
His love for outdoors took him on many adventurous camping trips throughout the United States, where, he spent much of time, enjoying God's creation, Earth.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Monday, May 21, at 2 p.m., with interment to follow in the churchyard. A reception will be held at the Christ Episcopal Church immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, www.christchurchnewbern.com or The ALS Association, Jim "Catfish" Hunter Chapter, 120 Penmarc Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27603, www.catfishchapter.org.
Friends are invited to share words of comfort and sign the online guest book by visiting www.pollockbest.com.
Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations has the honor of serving The Eckberg Family.
