Robert "Bob" J Eckrich

Robert "Bob" J. Eckrich, age 61 of Chili, WI died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, March 1, 2015.Bob was born on September 6, 1953 in Milwaukee, WI the son of Richard and Marcella (Pinczkowski) Eckrich. He graduated from the Boys Technical High School in 1971. He then attended the University of Wisconsin Stout for two years. On October 18, 1975 Bob was united in marriage to Joan Osenga in Milwaukee. He took a job with Kinney Shoes and throughout his career he worked his way to Assistant Manager and then Manager of the Kinney Shoes in the Northway Mall in Marshfield, WI for several years. Bob then opened Modern Shoe Repair and later, In-Stitches, where he repaired sewing machines. He retired in 2004. Bob was a free spirit with many interests and talents including woodworking, scrimshaw and jewelry making. His fondest memories were of being at the cabin sharing his love of hunting with family and friends. Bob was devoted to his family and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren whenever he could. Bob and Joan's life was deeply enriched with many friends and they shared many great dinners and outings with their good friends the Jonett's.Bob greatly appreciated the opportunity to keep hunting that the Clark County Disabled Hunters group provided.Bob is survived by his wife, Joan, son, Jacob (Jessica) Eckrich of Nekoosa and their children; Anastasia, Isabella and Natalie, a daughter, Annelise (Christopher) Crandell of Chili and very special daughters-in-their-hearts; Tressy and Maia, dear nephews; William (Dawn) Volgmann of Watertown, WI, and Richard (Judy) Volgmann of Milwaukee, WI, God Children; Nathan Volgmann and Jarrett Savage. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Ruth Meister of Lake Geneva, WI and sisters-in-law, Mary (Tim) Coutley, Amy Heinrich, Jane (Ken) Schmidt, a brother-in-law, William Osenga and all of their families.He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Roberta.A Memorial Service will be held for Bob at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2015 at the Immanuel United Methodist Church in Chili, WI. Pastor Michael Carlson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday prior to the service. Another service will be held in Southern Wisconsin arrangements are pending.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Same Difference Disabled Hunter's Organization.Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Bob's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456