Bruce David Eckhoff, 68, of Momence, died on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020.
Burial will be held in Harvel Cemetery, next to his parents’ gravesites, at a later date. Schildknecht Funeral Home in O’Fallon assisted the family.
Mr. Eckhoff was born Dec. 4, 1951, in Cairo, to Harold and Dorothy (Call) Eckhoff.
He was a longtime resident of Good Shepherd Manor in Momence, where he was known as someone who was kind, gentle and had a smile for many. Early in his time at GSM, he was an active participant in their program offerings of hiking, bike riding throughout campus, swimming and physical fitness.
When Mr. Eckhoff was in his 60s, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and his physical limitations became more pronounced. He continued to enjoy following his primary caretakers around the house and engaging in conversations about those he cared about. He also had many friendships with the men at GSM and Joe Buck was one of his best friends.
He was a lifelong dog lover and took great joy in the recent visits from Mala, the Golden Retriever comfort dog. He would open many conversations with, “Do you have a dog?” and then take it from there.
Mr. Eckhoff enjoyed paging through cookbooks and books about dogs. He had a soft spot for babies and was always excited to see or hear about them. He also loved music, especially The Beatles. On recent phone calls he would join in singing The Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand” or The Tokens’ “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
He is survived by his sisters, Dorothy Sherman, twin Barbara Miller and Carol Eckhoff; and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews across Illinois, California, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Alabama and Missouri.
Mr. Eckhoff was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be directed to Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/give-lcc-k-9.html.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.schildknechtfh.com.
