Albert "Duke" Eckerman

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Albert Duke Eckerman filled his days with the people and things he loved while making a significant impact in the lives of those around him in such a special way. He was a hardworking man of great character who accomplished so much of which to be proud, yet his greatest source of pride and joy was found in his family tree that grew to include numerous branches of loved ones. Duke was a fun-loving father and in many ways a kid at heart who lived life to the fullest. All who knew him knew that he would always be wearing a smile, and his zest for life was contagious. Duke leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be carried on by those who follow in his footsteps. The year 1917 is an important year in our nations history as despite our best efforts to remain neutral during WWI we were left with no choice but to engage in the fight for freedom in April of that year. It was just prior to this historic day that a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their baby boy on March 18th. Albert Otto was one of six children born to his parents, Otto C. and Lena (Boese) Eckerman, as he was joined in his family by his sisters, Helen, Marie, Eloise, and Leona, and his brother, Leonard. His father was a truck farmer, and they owned a farm on the Flats off of Mona Lake on property that was deeded to the family through a land grant after the Civil War. They grew celery and a variety of other vegetables. The Eckerman family was given a tough pill to swallow when Alberts mother died when he was a young boy. His father later remarried, which brought two step-siblings, Bill and Marie Tripp, into the family. Albert, or Duke as he was usually known, grew up helping his father with the chores. He also attended Muskegon Heights Schools through the 9th grade, but at that point he left school to devote more time to helping on the farm. When he had some recreational time Duke enjoyed playing softball, and he also learned to play the guitar from his father. It was while at a softball game that Duke spotted the young girl who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Harriet Marguerite Jones, and he noticed her right away. Later, while playing his guitar with the Hillbilly Boys at the Grange Hall, their relationship grew. As a young man of 20, Duke and a buddy, Harry Gould, decided to head to Alaska, so they drove a Model A Ford to Seattle and then took a ship up to Alaska. They spent the next year working various jobs there and later returned to Muskegon. Not to be forgotten during that year was Dukes deepening love with Harriet. With a desire to establish a life together the couple was married on September 3, 1938. Soon after, Duke and Harriet were delighted to discover that they would be parents. Together they welcomed a total of six children into their hearts and home from 1939 through 1957 including Katherine, Susan, Carole, Bruce, Peggy, and Marty. For a short time their growing family lived in a tent on Dukes fathers property, but he later built a house up the hill from his fathers house on Eckerman Road with the help of relatives and friends. This road was later renamed Seminole Road. Throughout his life Duke was accompanied by a strong work ethic. To provide for his family he worked as a tool engineer, first at Continental Motors where he also became a supervisor. Duke later worked as an engineer at Aero Manufacturing. Failing eyesight forced Duke to retire in 1975. First and foremost in Dukes life was always his family. He was actively involved in the lives of his children, and he absolutely cherished his role as a father. There were plenty of games, visits to the beach, and camping trips to Norton Township Park. Duke chronicled many of their adventures as a family on 8 mm film, too. For years he owned a jeep and even formed a 4-wheeler club called the Gogo Rigs. Together they blazed countless trails through the dunes, and Duke even pulled Bruce water skiing on Lake Michigan while driving the jeep along the beach. He and Harriet were a social couple who liked to go out dancing during their younger years. They also enjoyed get togethers with friends and relatives, often to play cards. Duke was deeply saddened with Harriets death in 1977. Someone who didnt want to be idle, Duke was a man of many interests. As a younger man he liked deer hunting with his buddies as well as fishing. During the winter he often went ice fishing and was known to make the hole in the ice by shooting his pistol into it! After moving to his house on Churchill Road in 1970, Duke always kept a big garden growing corn and vegetables. In fact, he even made a video on how to grow tomatoes. Duke had a work shop in the basement where he built birdhouses. He loved watching the birds, and when his eyesight got bad he mounted a camera near the bird feeder and rigged up a camera to his television so he could see the birds better. Although he gave up driving about 20 years ago because of his eye sight, Duke maintained an active life with the help of friends and relatives. He was also able to continue living on his own. Duke liked music, was a good yodeler, and played the guitar until he lost the tip of a finger in an accident. For years he attended Lake Harbor United Methodist Church. During his sunset years Duke had a wonderful relationship with his sweetheart, Donna Broersma. After a full life, the years began taking their toll so he moved into assisted living. A kindhearted, generous, and compassionate man, Albert O. Duke Eckerman was a blessing to those around him. He was never one to focus on what he had, rather, his days were spent living life to the fullest alongside the ones he treasured. Duke will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Albert O. "Duke" Eckerman died on Thursday, October 16, 2014. Dukes family includes his children, Katherine Porter of Muskegon, Susan (Robert) Mixer of Muskegon, Carole (Gordon) Medema of Grand Rapids, Bruce (Linda) Eckerman of Muskegon, Peggy (Aaron) Miller of Port Austin MI, Marty (Liz) Eckerman of Muskegon; grandchildren, Ryan, Lora, Chris, Yvonne, Greg, Sam, Ginny, Jess, John, Jamie, Brent, Nathan, Dustin, Patrick; 22 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Eloise Lund of Leland MI, Leona Vogt Burt of ID and sweetheart, Donna Broersma. Duke was preceded in death by his wife, Harriet, grandchildren, Nic Paquette & Kristie Porter; siblings, Leonard, Helen stepsister, Marie Whitmore; stepbrother, Bill Tripp. Services will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2014, 12:00 noon at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church with Rev. Mary Ivanov officiating. Visit with Dukes family and friends on Monday, 5-8 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon and Tuesday, one hour prior to the service. Memorials can be made to Lake Harbor United Methodist Church. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.