John Craig Eckley

John Craig Eckley, age 77 of Eden Prairie, MN, passed away on December 25, 2025 from Alzheimer's Disease which he had been diagnosed with at age 62. In spite of the disease, Craig loved being around people and was very social, always smiling and pleasant, making Fran's role as a caregiver easier.

Born October 10, 1948, to John & Evelyn (Shuster) Eckley in Huntington, Indiana, he was known by his middle name of Craig and grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was a graduate of Hutchinson High School, Class of 1967 then attended Hutchinson Junior College where he met and fell in love with Frances Kay Irvin. They married on June 14, 1970, and moved to Minnesota where Craig started his own business, specializing in remodeling homes on Lake Minnetonka. They later adopted 2 children, John Matthew and Angela Kay. For many years before he retired in 2008, he volunteered to build and remodel homes for Habitat for Humanity.

Fishing was Craig's greatest passion and he also loved hunting. After retiring, Craig and Fran enjoyed traveling and were Florida snowbirds for 10 years.

Craig is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Fran; son Matt of CO; daughter Angie and granddaughter Ava Jane of Chanhassen, MN; brother Alan (Beth) of Lenexa, KS and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kathleen Meinecke.

Craig's body was donated to the University of Minnesota - Anatomy Bequest Program for research.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 16th, 2026, at Washburn-McReavy at 7625 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie, MN. A visitation will begin at 10:00 am, service at 11:00 am, followed by lunch at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.