Raymond E. Eckelberg, 80, of Tomah, Wis., passed away Monday, April 24, 2023, at his home.
He was born Sept. 19, 1942, in the town of Wilton, Wis., to Reuben and Celia (Miller) Eckelberg. He was united in marriage to Joyce L. Lietz on May 19, 1970, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah. She preceded him in death in 2016.
Ray worked for 32 years for the City of Tomah on the Public Works Department and was also a member of the Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years. In his later years, he enjoyed working at the south side Kwik Trip in Tomah (which started an era in the family that spanned for three generations). Ray enjoyed interacting with his coworkers and the customers who came into the store. He was an avid fisherman, woodworker, and more than anything loved to assist others in any way he could lend a hand (especially the neighbor kids). He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his two sons, Scott Eckelberg of Hixton, Wis., and Kevin (Jennifer) Eckelberg of Tomah; a son-in-law, Mike Haines of Black River Falls, Wis.; a sister, Ellen (Bill) Reneau of Tomah; his grandchildren, Nathanial and Anneliese Eckelberg, Jordana (significant other Brian) Haines and Mikhael (Jordan) Langrehr, and Alauna and Kyrah Eckelberg; his great-grandchildren, Aiden Marie Haines, Rory Mae Langrehr, and Roman Langrehr; along with his extended Taphouse Twenty family, in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Celia; his wife, Joyce; a daughter, Lisa Haines; along with several brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 28, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Warrens. Pastor Mark Wilkens will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Tomah.
Family and friends were invited for visitation on Thursday, April 27, from 4–7 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah.
Additional visitation will be held on Friday, April 28, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Ray’s family would like to encourage everyone to come as you are in terms of funeral attire, and plaid flannels would be appropriate if you wish.
In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Chloe Kay Memorial Scholarship, Kyson’s Voice, Ronald McDonald House in Rochester, Minn., or wagr.org to support Riley’s Resilience. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
