Obituary of Colin Ross Eckert, Sr.
Colin R. Eckert, Sr.
“Buzz”
Colin Ross “Buzz” Eckert, Sr., age 84, of Joliet, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at home, with his loving family by his side.
Born April 4, 1934 in Joliet, he was the son of Russell and Rachel (nee Ross) Eckert. He was a graduate of Joliet Township High School, and proudly served with the United States Army during the Korean War, and with the National Guard of Illinois.
“Buzz” worked as a machinist and tool designer for Caterpillar, Inc., retiring after 35 years of service.
He was a life member of Cantigny Post #367 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the 224th Infantry Regiment Association of Illinois. For several years, he served as an Auxiliary Deputy for the Will County Sheriff’s Department. He also was a former Scout and Indian Guide leader.
“Buzz” was a loving husband, and a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. In his family’s eyes, he was the greatest man to ever walk this earth. He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling, and anything with his family, especially his grandchildren. He always left an impression wherever he went.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Judith (nee Wagner) Benish Eckert; his children, Colin Ross (Peggy) Eckert, Jr., of Mary Esther, FL, Russell (Lynette) Eckert of Channahon, Neill Eckert of Joliet, Rena (Paul) Schultz of Joliet, Sue (Don) Vanlandingham of Joliet, and Becky (Gene) Becker of Wilmington; two step-children, Brian Benish of Wauzeka, WI, and Gigi Collins of Montfort, WI; 28 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Gail (John) Vella of Milwaukee, WI; one brother-in-law, Oren (Angie) Miller of The Villages, FL; two sons-in-law, Gerald Rimmele and Chris Kotte; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Cecilia (nee Miller) Eckert (January 2, 2000); his parents; one daughter, Janet Rimmele; a step-daughter, Wendy Kotte; one sister, Nancy (John) Cirricione; and two brothers-in-law, Warren and Grover Miller.
Memorial Services for Colin R. “Buzz” Eckert will be held Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 3:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, where visitation will be held from NOON until 3:00 p.m. Cremation rites have been accorded and inurnment will be at a later date in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where military honors will be accorded under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
