Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Marjorie Eckel
1925 - 2025
BORN
1925
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Marjorie Eckel Obituary
May 16, 1925 - September 29, 2025
Marjorie I. Eckel, 100, passed away Monday, September 29, 2025 at Dove Healthcare in Rice Lake, WI.
She was born May 16, 1925 in Meridean WI, to Ollie and Clara (Thalacker) Books, the only daughter among 5 brothers. Always industrious, she told stories of family life and hard work at home, at the local store, and leaving home at 16 to travel to Milwaukee to work in the nut factory. She joined right into the jokes that those stories always brought.
She helped with the war effort as a welder at Allis-Chalmers and inspected primers at Presto Industries.
Marge met the love of her life when her brother introduced her to his friend Leonard Eckel. They exchanged letters, and he proposed to her in a letter from France. They married in January, 1946 and began a long life together, making their home in Eau Claire.
She enjoyed crocheting, baking, and card games with family and friends. Many family members celebrated their weddings with one of her hand-made wedding cakes. She and Leonard loved their place at Cornucopia, and spent many happy hours fishing, hunting and hosting there.
She is survived by son Paul (Sue) of Rice Lake WI, daughter Lorna (Darren) Zais of Glen Flora WI, daughter-in-law Denise (Gary) Eckel, grandsons Gabe (Megan) Eckel of Spring Green WI, Caleb Eckel of Seattle WA, Jacob (Kristie) Eckel of Augusta WI, Dustin Henning, Jesse (Hannah) Wilson and Seth (Rikki) Zais, all of Eau Claire, and granddaughter Sarah (Mike) Larson of Rogers, MN. She was blessed with 5 great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased by husband Leonard, son Gary, daughter Jane Luanne, baby daughter Eckel, along with brothers Willis (Inga) Books, Donald Books, Raymond (Lillian) Books, Louis (Leona) Books, Lyle (Geraldine) Books.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Family and friends may leave condolences online at www.smithfuneralec.com
All who knew her will remember her stories, her wonderful cooking and her devotion to her family. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Dove Healthcare in Rice Lake and St. Croix Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Marjorie Eckel
Memories and Condolences
for Marjorie Eckel
Sponsored by Smith Funeral Chapel - Eau Claire.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Marjorie Eckel's name
How to support Marjorie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Marjorie Eckel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
