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JACK ECKDAHL Obituary
Jack Polk Eckdahl, age 93 of Melrose, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2011 in Woodlands Care Center. He was born in St. Louis, MO on June 13, 1918. After high school he boxed in the St. Louis Golden Gloves competition and won the silver medal. He attended Moberly Junior College in Moberly MO where he met his wife, Leona. He went on to attend the University of Missouri on a football scholarship and played in the 1942 Sugar Bowl against Fordham. After college he joined the Navy trained enlisted Navy personnel stateside. After the end of World War II he coached football at Duke University and was later head coach at Arkansas A&M. He left coaching in 1951 and came to the University of Florida where he was hired as a professor of Physical Education. He also earned his Masters Degree. He continued teaching at UF and was Assistant Director of the Intramural program on campus until his retirement.
He was married for 61 years to Leona Eckdahl who predeceased him in 2004.
He is survived by two sons, Al Charles Eckdahl and Jack Lee Eckdahl. He has two grandsons, Lance E. Eckdahl of Valdosta, GA and Jeremy K. Eckdahl of Gainesville, FL; four great grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren, Hannah Eckdahl age 17, Delaney Eckdahl age 7, Reese Eckdahl age 5, Cade Eckdahl age 3, Nick Hart age 15, and Preston Hart, age 8.
Graveside funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2011,at 2:00 P. M., in the Eliam Cemetery, Melrose, with Pastor Jeanne Hill, pastor of the Melrose United Methodist Church, officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 from 5 to 6:30 P. M., at the funeral home. WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main St., Gainesville, is in charge of all arrangements.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS
DOWNTOWN
(352) 376-7556
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JACK ECKDAHL
Steve Dent
November 10, 2011
I remember your dad and mom visiting in Moberly during the summers. I remember the smiles and encouragements he would giveus as we played catch in the street on vincil. I tried to follow the accomplishments of your family as time progresed. You have the thoughts and prayers of my family.
Alan Moore
November 9, 2011
You were my friend and colleague at Unv Fl for countless years and your leadership for "Club Sports" and the Univ of Florida Mens Soccer Club was appreciated by hundreds of students
David & Marsha Owens
November 8, 2011
Remember your dad as such a warm and friendly person. His always had a smile for you and a joy to be around. May your precious memories of your father help sustain you and your family during this time.
Jack L. Eckdahl
November 8, 2011
Thank you all for your kind comments. He was a great man.
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John Wyckoff
November 7, 2011
Jack,
Although it's been some time now since I would see your Dad in Melrose, he always had a great big warm smile to share. I know he will be missed. God bless
Billy Salter
November 6, 2011
Jackie
So sorry to hear about your dad. He was a great guy and taught my brother how to swim at the old Highland Court pool. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. It,s been awhile, but we had a greet team back then and your dad was allwas their for us. God bless
November 6, 2011
Buddy,Ann,Sandy and Mama Lena Wilson, along with my mother Yula S. And Nancy Wilson moved into the house next to your family home. We always had the most wonderful times,bike riding, pogo stick jumping and of course football. We had the girls across join in. Your family was our family. The others are now with Jesus. I have moved to Lecanto, Much love, Nancy Wilson Marlowe Werner
john hughes
November 6, 2011
With deepest sympathy to the Eckdahl family. May God comfort you in this time of need. The few opportunities I had to meet Mr. Eckdahl were always uplifting and happy moments. God bless.
Lloyd Wakeland
November 6, 2011
I was referred by a friend, it looks like Jack had a good life and accomplished a lot. You can be proud of him. My sympathy and prayers are to the family during tkhis time of sorrow. May God bless you.
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Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown404 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
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