GORDON ECKRICH

On October 18^th, 2021, Gordon Michael “Mike” Eckrich, 76, passed at his current residence of Oak Park Place assisted living, Menasha. He was born December 27, 1944, in Neenah, son of the late Morgan and Ethel (Seager) Eckrich. Gordon “Mike” Eckrich grew up in Menasha at his home on Naymut Street where he was a longtime resident. He is the middle brother of three boys: Richard, Gordon, Jeffrey Eckrich. He was a loving father to Jennifer and Sara and adoring grandfather to Lincoln Michael Keberlein- who shared his love of music, Grace Marie Henson - who shared his sweetheart and Cora Jane Henson- who shared his spunky spirit.

Mike was a teddy bear of a man with a warm smile, a twinkle in his eye and a contagious chuckle. He was a collector of all things including antiques, old cars, guns and coins. Mike loved his dogs Muffin and Taffy greatly and he would be remembered for driving in one of his old cars with Taffy riding in his lap. He was a family historian who loved to tell stories from childhood and life experiences. Mike was the King of Sunday drives, lover of music and travel. He was an avid puzzler especially in his later years and was always up for a board game. Mike spent many years attending car shows, auctions, and gun shows where more than anything else he loved talking to people.

Mike graduated from Menasha High School in 1963. He attended University of Wisconsin Fox Valley Center in Menasha in 1964 where he studied Architectural Engineering and graduated from the Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton in 1970 with an Associate of Arts Degree. Mike served his country honorably in the US Navy in 1966. He was known to his coworkers as Gordy and was the City Assessor for the City of Appleton from 1973 to 2002 and also worked several years as the City Assessor of Oshkosh. Mike enjoyed serving his community in the political realm. He served on the Board of Supervisors for Winnebago County from 1984-1991. He also served as the county representative to the Tri-County Recreation Association Board of Directors as Vice President until he was elected as President. Mike served on the Board of supervisors of the Town of Menasha from 1981-1991 and served on his church committee at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Neenah.

Mike is survived by his two daughters: Jennifer (Bryan) Keberlein, and Sara (Kraig) Henson; three grandchildren: Grace, and Cora Henson, and Lincoln Keberlein; a brother, Jeffery Eckrich; a sister-in-law Susan Eckrich; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and best friend Linda Eckrich. He was further preceded in death by his older brother, Richard Eckrich.

Mike loved people and was blessed to be around his wonderful neighbors Pat and Sue Morrissey, and a great friend Searl Pickett. He enjoyed great conversations and shared hobbies with the residence of Oak Park Place especially Tom and Jolene. We would be remiss if we did not mention the special connection Mike had with his caregivers and friends Alaina and Rhonda.

A memorial service for Gordon will be at 1:00 PM on Friday October 29, 2021, at WESTGOR FUNERAL HOME, Neenah, with Rev. Steven Billings officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 11:00 AM until the 1:00 PM service. Inurnment will be at Oakhill Cemetery, Neenah.

“Moon River, wider than a mile, I'm crossing you in style someday, Oh, Dream Maker, you heart breaker, wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way.”