Obituary of Thomas Michael Eckert

Thomas Michael Eckert passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in Mesa, Arizona. Tom was born to Harvey Hubert and Ruth Marie (Smith) Eckert on July 6, 1944, in Okauchee, Wisconsin.

He graduated from Oconomowoc High School in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin with the class of 1962. He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for 24 years, retiring as a commissioned officer. While stationed at Kincheloe A.F.B., he met and married Carolyn Marie Hakola of Rudyard, Michigan on October 2, 1965.

Tom loved all sports, especially football and his Green Bay Packers. Go Pack! He was an avid golfer, playing whenever he was able. He also enjoyed woodworking and carpentry, a skill he learned in high school while working with his father building houses in the Oconomowoc area. His favorite place on earth was the family cabin on St. Martin Bay in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where he spent numerous summers with family and friends.

Tom was a graduate of Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. He earned his master’s degree from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. After retirement he attended Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona where he obtained a Graduate Diploma in Biblical Studies with an emphasis on the Hebrew language of the Old Testament. He continued studies in that area for the next 15 years, translating and teaching Biblical Hebrew grammar.

Tom is survived by his wife of 57 years; a son, Thomas Michael Eckert II of Chandler, Arizona, and a daughter, Tracy Michelle (William) Brinkmeier of Gilbert, Arizona; three grandchildren, David Joshua Eckert and Bethany Joy Eckert of Oldsmar, Florida, and Matthew Elias Brinkmeier of Gilbert, Arizona; siblings Paul (Laura) Eckert of Waukesha, Wisconsin, John (Bunny) Eckert of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Terese (Bob) Looysen of Muskegon, Wisconsin, Marian (Bill) Hazard of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Camille (Steve) Hamme of Watertown, Wisconsin; sister-in-law Evelyn Eckert of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and brother-in-law Gerald (Connie) Hakola of La Habra, California, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Rudolph Elias Hakola and Eva Dagmar (Koivisto) Hakola; siblings Ronald Eckert, Kathleen Eckert Grimm, and Harvey J. Eckert; and brother-in-law Gene Grimm.

At his request, no service will be held. Burial will be in Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan at a later date. Contributions in memory of Thomas may be made to a Christian charity of your choice.