Obituary of Elmer E. Eckhardt

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 PM on Friday, June 17th at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 3487 N. Boston Road, Eden for Elmer E. Eckhardt, who died May 29, 2011, at age 77. Elmer worked for much of his life in Eden, on the vegetable farm of his father (Arthur) and his brother (Lester). The farm jobs that he loved the most were picking peppers, assembling cardboard produce boxes, packing lettuce and cabbage, and filling greenhouse flats. He also loved mowing the lawn with a push mower, and frowned upon anyone who dared to mow the lawn with a riding mower. Elmer was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Eden, and loved to sing his favorite hymns of the faith, that he knew by heart. He read his devotions every night before bed, and trusted in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He lived in the family homestead with family members for over 70 years. He was always amused by watching children, and he loved animals. In his later years, he worked at Suburban Adult Services. He loved to work, and even became perturbed when the workshop was closed for a holiday. In 2009, he became a resident at a Claddagh group home in Derby, where he became part of a whole new family. Elmer was a big fan of Elvis Presley, and he also loved to sing along with the Lawrence Welk show. Elmer faced many unique challenges in his life. He conquered these challenges in a way that showed great perseverance and contentment. We will always remember his effervescent smile and his friendly personality. Elmer is survived by his beloved sister-in-law Thelma (late Lester), his nephews Norman (Desiree) Eckhardt, David Eckhardt, and his nieces Eileen (Richard) Stadelmaier, Diane (Joseph) Kelly, and Ellen Eckhardt (Terry). Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Arrangements are entrusted to the Laing Funeral Home Inc. 2724 West Church St. Eden, NY. www.laingfuneralhome.com