Eckart, Edmund H. 
Edmund H. Eckart, 80, of Hecker, died June 25, 2006, in Belleville. He was born 
July 21, 1925, in Prairie du Long Township, the son of the late Adam and Emma 
Eckart nee Birkner. He was married to Esther E. Eckart nee Kreher. Mr. Eckart is 
survived by his wife; children Ralph (Kathy) Eckart of New Athens, Melba “Jeannie” 
Happel of Hecker, Mary (Larry) Schaltenbrand of Smithton, Edmund G. “Eddie” 
Eckart of Chester, Marvin (Sandy) Eckart of Red Bud, Geri Griffin of New Athens, 
Lori (Andy) Amann of Waterloo, Arnold (Angie) Eckart of Hecker, and Theresa 
(Jim) Stearns of Columbia; 23 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother Ervin 
(Irene) Eckart of Waterloo; and sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews 
and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Emma Haudrich, 
brother-in-law Cyril Haudrich, sister-in-law Marie Eckart, mother- and father-in-law 
Edward and Mathilda Kreher nee Maurer, sons-in-law William Happel and Dale 
Griffin, and daughter-in-law Georgia Eckart nee Castens. Mr. Eckart was a member 
of St. Augustine Church in Hecker and served as secretary of the Holy Name Society. 

“A beloved family man, he left behind a legacy of friendship, love and truth to his wife 
of 56 years. He was a great provider and giver to his children. His life was dedicated 
to his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 
brother, uncle and cousin. Eddie spent his long life with hard work, dedicated to 
community services. He was a farmer all his life and a hod carrier for 38 years. He 
retired from M.L. Vasquez and after retirement he worked as head of maintenance 
for the Village of Hecker.”

His community involvement included: He was retired from the Hecker Volunteer Fire 
Department and served as assistant chief for a number of years. He was a charter 
member of the Hecker Sportsman Club and a lifetime member of Hecker Community 
Center. He was a member of NuDeal and the Millstadt Horseshoe League. His love 
of horseshoes involved hosting the Illinois State Horseshoe Tournament in Hecker for 
three years. Visitation was at Quernheim Funeral Home. A funeral mass was at 
St. Augustine Church in Hecker, Fr. Ralph Haas officiating. He is buried at St. Augustine 
Cemetery in Hecker.