Estelle Mae Eckrich

With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Estelle Eckrich, who passed away peacefully on July 4 at the age of 89, surrounded by loved ones.

Estelle was born in Neenah to Esther and Warren Eckrich. After high school, she joined the U.S. Air Force. She was stationed in Nebraska and Wyoming, where she served as a specialist in the communications center. She was extremely proud of her military service and often spoke fondly of that time in her life. 

Stelle spent most of her adult life in Rhinelander. There, she worked as office manager for a nonprofit until she retired after more than 25 years of service. In 2004, Stelle met her soulmate, Guy. They spent countless hours fishing, traveling, and enjoying each others’ company. 

Stelle loved her home on the Wisconsin River, where she lived for over 50 years. Enjoying time with family and friends on her deck, playing cards, tending to her flowers, watching the birds, and cheering on the Packers were a few of her favorite things to do. Stelle talked about her family with pride, and while each of her children were in various corners of the country, there was nothing that made her happier than the one week every summer when everyone was able to be together in Wisconsin. 

In her later years she was able to spend time living near her children and grandchildren in Texas and North Carolina before moving back to Wisconsin. During this time, Stelle was also overjoyed with the welcoming of four great-grandchildren. 

Stelle was kind and welcoming to everyone she encountered. No matter the obstacle or the challenge, Stelle conquered every situation with optimism and grace. She was strong, loving, caring, and witty. While she may not be here on this Earth with us, her memories and love will live on through us all.

Estelle is survived by her four children — Lynda (Norbert) Oleinik, Steve (Tracey) Kucharski, Kathy (John) LePrevost, and Cindy (Glenn) Watson; her grandchildren — Alyssa (John) Theiler, Katelyn Oleinik, Thomas Getty, Sam Getty, Ashley LePrevost, and Kelsey (Joey) Brown; her great-grandchildren — Riley, Jaxon, Grayson, and Palmer; and her sister, Jane (Norbert) Siegel, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Gerald “Butch” (Annie) Eckrich.

A celebration of life will be held on July 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the O’Dells Bay Clubhouse, W5240 N Osprey Dr., New Lisbon. We will share a few words in memory of Stelle at noon with lunch to follow. 

Interment and military honors in recognition of Estelle’s faithful service to our country will take place in Rhinelander at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in honor of Estelle’s enduring commitment to those who serve.

“We thank you for your service — and for your love. You will remain in our hearts always.”