Lee Eclov

Lee Wayne Eclov, 75 of Rockford, IL died at home on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Lee was born January 17, 1951, to Lyle and Grace Eclov in Milbank, South Dakota. He grew up in Britton, SD, attended Britton HS and was an alumnus of Trinity College and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, formerly of Deerfield, IL.

He was a beloved pastor serving several churches in the Evangelical Free Church denomination for over 40 years. In retirement, he invested in mentoring young pastors and writing. He authored 5 books and was a regular contributor to Preaching Today, a subsidiary of Christianity Today. His preaching and writing were peppered with creative storytelling and his signature benedictions, which he always sang at the end of his services. His impact on lives was far reaching.

He was "homesick" for heaven but lived in the present, engaging the next person he met. The signature on all his correspondence, was BE YE GLAD. That gladness came from his relationship with Jesus. He loved his family deeply and was very proud of them.

Survived by his wife, Susan (Foote); son, Anders W. (Rikki) Eclov; brother, Larry (Jayne) Eclov; nieces and nephew, Addie (Andrew) Zierman, Paige (Forrest) Tobie, Erik (Marissa) Eclov, and Aly (TJ) Howard. He was known by the name Gruncle to his seven great-nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; and sister, Linda and her husband Michael Osborn.

A memorial service celebrating Lee's life will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:00 am, followed by a reception where you may greet the family. The service will be livestreamed on Facebook on the Crosspoint Church Rockford page. Crosspoint Church, 3215 E. State Street, Rockford, IL

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.olsonfh.com.