Amy Beth Eckardt, age 55 of Rhinelander, died Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander. She was born Nov. 13, 1961 in Milwaukee to Thomas and Janice (Gates) Cooper. Amy attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, following the steps of her father and grandfather. Amy also participated in the Belle’s of St. Mary’s. She traveled all across the state with her classmates.

After receiving her diploma at Rhinelander High School, class of 1980, she attended beauty school in Steven’s Point where she acquired skills to later own her hair salon, Amy’s Hair Cottage. While being a beautician, she worked at Chez Susan and Magic Scissors, where she made lifelong friends. After having Jake and Anna, she decided to become a homemaker where she could raise them and give them a good life.

Her children were a gift from God and the least she could do was give them a life of happiness. Amy was a Den Mother for Jake’s Boy Scout Club and a Girl Scout Leader for Anna’s Brownie group. Amy was always cheering her children on and always supported them, as she will continue to be the perfect guardian angel for the two and the rest of the family.

Amy always had a deep connection with God and she never gave up on her faith. Amy volunteered along with Anna at the Personal Essentials Pantry at the Methodist Church. She also created a rosary group at St. Mary’s Church where they made 8,000-plus rosaries for the less fortunate in Africa. The Church was special to Amy and it is clear to see in her work. She attended the church board where she could help make it a better place for her fellow churchgoers.

Wherever Amy went, she always had a smile on her face and always greeted people politely. Amy loved people and she always put others before herself. Amy’s laugh was a contagious one and it will never be forgotten. She always lit up the room and never had a dull time.

Her favorite pastimes were crafting, baking, and anything at their family cottage on Crescent Lake. With her creative mind, Amy loved making scrapbooks and many other crafts. Her time at the Cooper cottage was hands down Amy’s favorite thing to do. It was her “Heaven on earth” and she will always be remembered for lying in the hammock near the lake.

Amy is survived by her husband, Melvin Eckardt Jr. of Rhinelander; her daughter, Anna Eckardt, and son Jacob Eckardt, both of Rhinelander; her sister, Holly Cooper also of Rhinelander; other family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation for Amy will be held 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 at the Carlson Funeral Home and Wednesday, May 17, from 11 a.m. until the 12 p.m. mass of Christian burial at the Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church with Father Randy Knauf officiating. (Carlson Funeral Home)