Charles “Chuck” J. Eckes, age 82 of Crandon, passed away Monday, Nov. 19, 2018 at Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital. Chuck was born Dec. 30, 1935, in Marshfield to Sylvester and Charlotte (Kulinski) Eckes.

The family moved to Milwaukee and lived there until Charles was four years old. They then returned to Crandon where Charles attended school, graduating from Crandon High School in 1953. Upon graduation, Chuck enlisted in the Marines, proudly serving his country during the Korean War. He returned to Crandon, met and married Nancy Reader at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rhinelander. The couple moved to Milwaukee where Chuck was employed with Kearney & Trecker Co. and later with Allis Chalmers. While living in Milwaukee, Chuck was a flight instructor at Mitchell Field. Chuck owned and operated a Cessna Piper airplane. The family moved to Rhinelander in 1966. Chuck along with a few others owned and operated Great Northern Siding.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, taking care of his horses and had a love for the outdoors. Chuck loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

He will be dearly missed by his children, Sandy Gilbert of Rhinelander, John (Timi) Eckes of Crandon and Chuck Eckes of Rhinelander; seven grandchildren, Bill Eckes Jr., Sarah Dart, Alex Desch, Brian Gilbert Jr., Jennifer Olson, Chad Eckes and Jessica Weber; 16 great-grandchildren, William, Easton, Benjamin, Owen, Eloise, Gage, Sophie, Skyla, Alex, Emma, Bryce, Jaylee, Javen, Justin, Jazzlyn and Jace. Also surviving are one sister, Pat Doane of Crandon; brother-in-law, Jim Wickham of Milwaukee; and his faithful four-legged companion, Buckshot; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Sylvester Eckes, mother and step-father, Charlotte and Robert Thiel; wife, Nancy Eckes; sons, Bill, Bob and Teddy Eckes; daughter, Tammy Eckes; and sisters, Betty Wickham, Sylvia Thiel and Lois Marvin.

At Chuck’s request there will be no visitation or service. (Hildebrand Funeral Home)