Glenn Wilbur Eckert

Glenn W. Eckert, 87, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Thursday, September, 20, 2018 at Hanson Hospice Center – Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 12 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 613 Court St., St. Joseph, with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the church. A private burial will take place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran School and Caring Circle. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Glenn was born on May 30, 1931 in St. Louis, MO to Edward & Emma (Essert) Eckert. He graduated from St. Paul’s High School in Concordia, MO, and continued his education at SUNY – The State University of New York, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Administration. Glenn proudly served our country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 – 1960. He bravely fought in the Korean War as a fighter jet pilot and earned the rank of Captain and received a National Defense Service Medal. On August 2, 1958, Glenn married the love of his life, Lorraine Kissau, at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. For many years Glenn worked at Trinity Lutheran School as an educator. He later began working at Gast Manufacturing in their Human Resource Department and retired after 15 years. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame Football fan and a proud member of Trinity Lutheran Church. One of his favorite activities was to go to the bandshell and listen to the live music on Sundays. He was a volunteer for over 20 years at Lakeland Medical Center, The Mendel Center and The Soup Kitchen. Glenn was an incredible man who will be missed dearly by all. Glenn is survived by his wife of 60 wonderful years, Lorraine; children, Steven (Lenora Hardee) Eckert of Naperville, IL, John Eckert of Muskegon and Lisa (Paul) Dove of Coldwater; and grandchildren, Kayla (Leroy Cable) Dove, Chandler Eckert and Keean Eckert. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Edward & Emma; and siblings, Edward Eckert, Roy Eckert, Lorraine Schmich, and Shirley Lay.