Chester Alfred Eckhardt

1926 - 2023

Chester A. Eckhardt, of Fredericksburg, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the age of 97 years.

Chester Alfred Eckhardt was born on May 2, 1926 in Fredericksburg, Texas to Edwin A. and Dora Lochte Eckhardt Sr.

He married Mildred Klinksiek on May 5, 1982 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cave Creek.

He is survived by two daughters, one son and spouses:

Allen and Cynthia Eckhardt of Fredericksburg

Cathy and Steve Carter of Fredericksburg

Gwen and Cliff Peck of Round Rock

Seven grandchildren: Christi, Cole, Stephanie, Kimberly, Clay, Trisha, and Jacob

Seven great-grandchildren: Matthew, Lydia, Ellison, Everett, Madison, Gemma, and Dean

One brother: Edwin Eckhardt Jr. of Fredericksburg

Chester is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin A. and Dora Lochte Eckhardt Sr.; wife, Mildred Klinksiek Eckhardt, and one brother, Wesley Eckhardt.

Chester grew up in the Rheingold community and walked two miles every day to attend school at the Rheingold School. Later on, he attended high school in Fredericksburg and drove a Model A 12 miles to town at a time before there were paved roads. So, you know it was not really an easy journey.

He and his two brothers helped their dad farm and ranch, plowing the fields with horses and mules. When his brother was called to serve in the military, Chester dropped out of school to stay home and help his dad on the farm. He had a strong work ethic which included farming and ranching all his life.

In the early 1960s, he began a trucking company which he operated for over 50 years. He logged millions of miles coast to coast throughout the years.

In 2014, he traded in the keys to his truck for keys to an RV to travel coast to coast again, but this time, he was able to stop and visit the places he had only passed by in years before and truly enjoy the scenery. He especially enjoyed the Redwood Forest in California and Mount Zion in Utah. His little dog, Sonny, was his faithful traveling companion and we jokingly and affectionately called him Chester's fourth child. He visited 49 states, including a trip to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

Chester was a founding member of the Rheingold community 42 Club in 1951. He was also a lifelong member of Saint Paul Lutheran Church where he served in various positions with the Sunday School and Church Council.

He enjoyed tending to his cattle and always looked forward to hunting season so we could make fresh sausage. He loved spending time with family and friends and had a great sense of humor and infectious laugh. He was very proud that he was able to live independently at home for over 97 years.

He's on his last long journey now, On roads that we can't follow, And as we bid our last farewell, He will be surely missed by all who loved him dearly.

The family greeted friends Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 10 to 11 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cave Creek, with Funeral Services at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Clint Pluenneke officiating.

Graveside services and interment followed in the St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Cole Carter, Clay Peck, Jacob Eckhardt, Gary Peck, Oscar Rubio, Mark Gomez, Cliff Peck and David Eckhardt.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given in his memory to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Willow City Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Methodist Hill Country Hospice or to the charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com

Arrangements under the direction of Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg, Texas.