Edward M. Eckles

Edward M. Eckles, known to all as "Bill," passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on April 23, 1941, to Edward Eckles and Margaret Norris, Bill built a life rooted in family, friendship, and a love of the simple pleasures.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Eckles, and his sons Shawn Eckles and William Eckles. He will also be deeply missed by his grandsons, Josh Eckles and Jeremy Eckles, as well as his sisters and brothers-in-law Linda Kohler, Wanda Stewack, Wayne, Richard and James Haymes and all his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A man who loved both adventure and home, Bill spent many joyful days boating from the family's waterfront property. He and Donna cherished their pontoon boat, making countless memories on the water. In the winter months, when snow was abundant, he enjoyed snowmobiling the local trails.

At home, Bill found joy in his "movie room," a personal treasure trove believed to hold over 3,000 films-many still on VHS from the days before streaming. He was a skilled and handy man who could often be found tinkering in his garage, and he carried that same dedication into his career as a printer for most of his working life. In retirement, he took pride in driving a limousine part-time, enjoying the people he met along the way.

Music was always part of Bill's world, especially the timeless tunes of the oldies. He valued family dinners above all else-believing that sharing a meal was one of life's greatest gifts. With Donna, he traveled to destinations as varied as Florida, California, Lake Tahoe, New York and Hawaii, showing a love for both the beauty of nature and the energy of city life.

Bill's life was one of steady dedication, quiet skill, and deep love for those closest to him. His memory will live on in the laughter of family dinners, the hum of a boat engine on a summer day, and the familiar strains of an oldie's song playing in the background.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory in McHenry. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery. For more information, please call the Funeral Home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Edward on his tribute wall.