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Margaret Eckerstrom Obituary

Margaret Ann "Peggy" Eckerstrom, educator, beloved  mother, grandmother and wife,  passed into the next phase of her spiritual journey on June 10, 2023.   She was born on September 2, 1933 in Nome, North Dakota, a small farming town, to Ed and Evelyn (Jensen) Ausk.  Raised during the Depression and the Second World War to parents with few resources,  she  graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1954 with a degree in Journalism.  There, she met and married Donald Eckerstrom, who brought her and their children, Paul and Peter,  to Tucson, Arizona in the fall of 1964 to begin his tenure as the Lutheran Campus pastor.  In 1966, Margaret began her own career as an educator, teaching English at Pueblo High School, where she also acted as faculty advisor to the El Guerrero, the student newspaper. In that role, she mentored several students who would later become journalists for major  newspapers including the Arizona Daily Star.  She taught English and History over the next 30 years at Pueblo, Sahuaro and Santa Rita high schools.   Although a committed educator, she never relented from being a student herself. Early in her teaching career, she obtained a Masters in American History from the University of Arizona.  In her forties, she determinedly became fluent in French and spent a year in Paris studying french literature at the Sorbonne.  She was an avid traveler and often reflected, with a little pride, on how many places she had seen, and rich experiences she had enjoyed, for small town girl from North Dakota.  She filled her retirement years both caring for Don  and acting as an engaged and caring grandmother.  When needed, she cheerfully shuttled her grandchildren to soccer practice or school, relishing the opportunity to participate in their lives. Preceded in death by her husband, Donald Eckerstrom, she is survived by her two sons, Paul Eckerstrom and Peter Eckerstrom,  her sister Constance Wingren and her three grandchildren,  Kyle Eckerstrom, Kayla Eckerstrom and Lars Eckerstrom — all three of whom made her very proud.  Her life will be remembered on Saturday, July 15th at 10 a.m. with services at the Lutheran Church in the Foothills, 5102 N. Craycroft Rd., Tucson.  

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star from Jul. 12 to Jul. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Greg Hearn

August 7, 2024

Ms. Eckerstrom was my advisor on the El Guerrero 1974-75 (I usually would write about sports)... A kind teacher who always had time for her students and staff...sorry to hear of her passing.

Heather Barnes

August 1, 2023

I was a student of hers at Santa Rita High School. She was always so kind. I had the pleasure of sitting next to her at a production of The Taming of the Shrew, at the U of A. Mrs. Eckerstrom didn´t treat me as a student that evening, but as a friend of the Arts as she spoke to me between acts. That experience and kindness by her is a memory I cherish. Blessings to your family.

Jerry and Kay Helm

July 15, 2023

Kay and I wish to express sincere admiration for such a kind, gentle, loving soul. Peggy was a fine colleague, always ready to help everyone in the English department of Pueblo High School. Our very best to Peter and Paul, her outstanding sons.
Kay and Jerry Helm

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The Encanto Place Homeowners

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The Harveys

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Heather Harvey

July 14, 2023

I lived across the street from Peggy for 5 years, she was a force. She often told me stories of her life, from her time in Nome, her college years, her travels and much about Don and her sons Peter and Paul, but of course there was her grandchildren which she spoke of with glee. We will miss Peggy greatly, she was a beautiful soul.

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Memorial Events
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Jul

15

Service

10:00 a.m.

Lutheran Church in the Foothills

5102 N. Craycroft Rd, Tucson, AZ

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