ROLLAND W. ECKMAN Jr.

About

Montini Catholic High School Wheaton North High School University of Illinois Western Illinois University

FUNERAL HOME

Butala Funeral Home & Crematory - Sycamore

1405 DeKalb Ave

Sycamore, Illinois

ROLLAND ECKMAN Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for ROLLAND W. ECKMAN Jr.
Start: 2023-01-14T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-14T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Elburn Lions Club

Rolland W. Eckman Jr. loving husband, father and grandfather passed away at home on October 11, 2022, at the age of 74. He graduated from Knoxville High School, Western Illinois University, and obtained a Master of Arts from the University of Illinois. Soon after Rollie taught at Wheaton North High school until retirement. He then continued teaching at Montini Catholic High School retiring again. Married to Nancy Rezabeck in 1983. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Nancy; sons, Neil (Amy) Eckman, and Kenneth Eckman. Grandchildren, Andrew and Angelene. Siblings: sister, Pam (Kenneth) McElmeel, brother, Tom (Barb) Eckman, and brother, Jim (Deb) Eckman; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his father, Rolland W. Eckman Sr. and mother, Geraldine (Rikli) Eckman; and beloved aunts and uncles. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, January 14, 2023, at Elburn Lions Club from 1-4 p.m. More info, butalafuneralhomes.com.

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Published by Daily Herald from Oct. 21 to Oct. 23, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for ROLLAND ECKMAN

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7 Entries

Phil Rice

July 7, 2024

I am just now seeing this. Rollie was my track and CC coach from 1976-1979. He was a complete coach but had enough curiosity to want to improve himself as well as his runners. The hours he spent dedicating himself to coaching the many hurdlers that came through Wheaton North was impressive. His embracing and use of video taping to develop technique was years ahead of its time. His personality was exemplified when most HS coaches sat near the finish line, Coach Eckman always sat in the visitors section on the other side of the track. He didn't seek the spotlight, the many DVC cross country, indoor and outdoor titles spoke for him. His legacy is secure.

Jayman Avery

December 25, 2022

We are so sorry to hear about Coach Eckman’s passing. He was a great Track and CC coach at Wheaton North. He coached us to numerous championships in both sports (conference, district, county, and sectionals), and 2nd place at state CC (‘76). Great, lifelong memories and friendships grew out of his coaching and wonderful kindness. We will miss him. God bless Nancy and the family and friends of Coach Eckman.

Tom Rotramel

December 17, 2022

Mr. Eckman was my Sociology and Anthropology teacher at Wheaton North in the early 70's. He was such a great teacher and made the classes fun! He was one of the teachers that made a lasting impression on me (still, after about 50 years!). My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Hannah Fronczak

October 24, 2022

I am a student from the class of 2007, and I was so saddened to hear this news, as I know many of my classmates were. Mr. Eckman was my history teacher, who made history both fascinating and approachable. Any time I have traveled, I think back fondly on the lessons that he taught us. For some reason, I specifically remember him teaching us about huguenots because I remember being so overwhelmed, but he made it fun and interesting. He was also my track coach, and I've taken the lessons he taught me there to several marathons (including Boston)! My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. I hope to carry on Mr. Eckman's legacy of being a great man who loved history.

Steph Lipira

October 21, 2022

Rollie was my honors history teacher in high school (2006). He was my favorite teacher and I truly believe his class influenced my decisions in travel throughout my life. He was always so kind and wonderful. I´ll never forget him. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family during this time.

Wes Dusek

October 21, 2022

Although we were not in the same teaching area nor in the same athletic fields, we had a good relationship. Rollie was just such an outgoing friendly guy that he was a friend with everyone. A good positive, encouraging teacher and coach. Good memories! Miss you Rollie.

Mary Ray and Dick Goehring

October 21, 2022

Rollie was such a great neighbor and friend. Even after we moved from our Illinois neighborhood, we stayed friends and visited. We so appreciated Rollie and Nancy visiting us in Texas. Still talk about how Dick told Rollie, after a full morning of catching crappie, that they had to stop fishing. Rollie just gave him that "are you crazy" look and asked why. Dick telling him they couldn't get any more fish in the basket. It was entirely full. They, of course, cleaned them and went right back out that afternoon.
We very much enjoyed visiting the lake cabin. Great fishing for Dick and birding, wildflowering and crafts for Ray. Excellent company as well. So grateful we got together up there with Melissa and Patrick this past summer. I swear the men were far more chatting than us. We love you guys. Will miss him.

Ray and Dick Goehring

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