Dennis Allen Ecker

Dennis Allen Ecker
July 3, 1953 – December 9, 2023
Wenatchee, WA,
Dennis Allen Ecker, 70, died Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Confluence Health Hospital in Wenatchee, WA. Born July 3, 1953, in Wenatchee to Samuel and Leona (May) Ecker, Dennis was raised in Wenatchee with his three sisters: Margie, Carolyn and Sandy. He graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1971.
Dennis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving on active duty from February of 1973 – December of 1975, achieving the rank of Sergeant.
Before and after his military service, Dennis worked for many years at local motels, Starlite Motel, Motel Lyon (with the Syria and Lyon families) and Orchard Inn, where he handled building and pool maintenance. He also spent many cold winters plowing snow at homes and businesses around the valley. This was originally done with good friend, Frank Lyon and later, on his own.
Dennis and Betty Kay Burgess' long friendship led to their marriage on a snowy New Year's Eve in 1996.
They enjoyed many years together doing home improvement projects, gardening, hosting large family dinners and joined a bowling league with neighbors, Rick and Sheila Trudell. They enjoyed their ever-growing furry herd of cats and dogs over the years, while also doing their proud duty as loving grandparents. Dennis got a new name, "Bubba", from granddaughters, Krystal Kay and Kayla Burgess, when they were young. That tradition later included their younger sister, Shauntel.
Dennis was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Kay Ecker; parents: Samuel and Leona Ecker, infant brother, Andrew Charles Ecker; paternal grandparents: John C. and Virgol E. Ecker; and maternal grandparents: William L. and Bertha L. May. He is survived by sisters: Margie King of Shoreline, WA, Carolyn Preston of Port Huron, MI, and Sandra Ecker of Wenatchee, WA; nephew, Jason Preston; nieces: Rachel Thoms, Marla Jones, Kelly Marshall, Crystal Preston and Angela Preston; grand-nephews: Eddie and Tyler Thoms, Aemon Marshall and Zachary Iezzi.
He is also survived by life-long friend/brother/fellow Marine John Gill and many veterans at the Wenatchee American Legion Post 10. He is already missed by his loving cat, Sassy.
The family would like to share our appreciation for the kindness, sensitivity, humor and professionalism shown by Dennis' care team in Wenatchee, Seattle, and Spokane. This includes: Dr. Alisa Becker at the Wenatchee VA Clinic (CBOC), as well as the following from Confluence Health: Dr. Julie Smith, Dr. Julia Moukharskya, Dr. Nicolas Kummer, Dr. Thomas Bergman, Dr. Jonathon Stoever, Dr. Stephen Wiest, the wonderful staff in Oncology Infusion and many other medical staff who are too numerous to list.
A reference in the third verse of the Marines' Hymn states: "If the Army and the Navy ever look on Heaven's scenes; they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines". Sergeant Ecker reported for guard duty at Heaven's gates in the early hours of December 9, 2023, fulfilling his oath to his country and The Corps.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with family and friends. Arrangements are by Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee, WA.