Edward E. Eckhardt Jr.

Edward E. Eckhardt, Jr. passed away peacefully on April 22, 2017 at the age of 71. Ed is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen (Kari), his son Ed III, and his daughter Christine. Five siblings, Fred Eckhardt (Kathy), Margo Littlehale (Bob), Jane Gabrielson, Joan Hohs (Don), and June Barkley (Rory) will dearly miss their big brother. Three sisters-in-law; Kathleen Limbach (John), Judi Frank (Tom), and Jeaneen Hall (Brian), 14 nieces and nephews, and 10 great nieces and nephews will miss "Uncle Ed." Ed's parents, grandparents, many aunts and uncles, and four-year-old sister, Marsha, preceded him in death. Ed earned his BA, MA, and Ed D in education from Valparaiso and Loyola Universities. His knowledge, strong moral character and great sense of humor allowed him to lead three school districts in several administrative capacities in Illinois and Wisconsin. Ed served as the Superintendent of the Grafton School District from 1986 until his retirement in 2003. He had a passion for hiring and retaining quality teachers, coaches, and administrators to maintain the high standard of quality education desired by Grafton residents. Raising a special needs daughter led Ed to 20 years of involvement with Portal Inc., serving as President of the Board of Directors at the time of his death. Cross Lutheran Church, a ministry of Advent Lutheran Church in Cedarburg, provided Ed the opportunity to serve people in the inner city of Milwaukee, another life-long passion of Ed's. The communities of Grafton, Advent, Portal, and Cross will miss that ever-present million dollar smile which was reflective of Ed's upbeat and positive outlook on life. He was happiest when getting something important accomplished! His attitude was contagious as kids and people of all ages loved to be around Ed. He will be especially missed by a large circle of friends from his youth, high school, college and professional career. Ed's love for golfing, biking, landscaping, and fitness served him well. He fought hard to recover from a devastating stroke in late 2016. To borrow a line about one of his heroes, Arnold Palmer, Ed's was a life well played. Visitation will be Thursday, April 27 from 3 pm to 6 pm at Mueller Funeral Home (979 N. Green Bay Rd.), in Grafton. A Memorial Service will take place on Friday, April 28, 1PM at Advent Lutheran Church (W63 N642 Washington Ave.), in Cedarburg. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Advent Lutheran Church/Cross Ministries, Portal Inc. or the Grafton Community Scholarship Fund are appreciated.