Obituaries

Marjorie I. Eckel, 100, passed away Monday, September 29, 2025, at Dove Healthcare in Rice Lake, WI.

She was born May 16, 1925, in Meridean WI, to Ollie and Clara (Thalacker) Books, the only daughter among 5 brothers. Always industrious, she told stories of family life and hard work at home, at the local store, and leaving home at 16 to travel to Milwaukee to work in the nut factory. She joined right into the jokes that those stories always brought.

She helped with the war effort as a welder at Allis-Chalmers and inspected primers at Presto Industries.

Marge met the love of her life when her brother introduced her to his friend Leonard Eckel. They exchanged letters, and he proposed to her in a letter from France. They married in January 1946 and began a long life together, making their home in Eau Claire.

She enjoyed crocheting, baking, and card games with family and friends. Many family members celebrated their weddings with one of her hand-made wedding cakes. She and Leonard loved their place at Cornucopia, and spent many happy hours fishing, hunting and hosting there.

She is survived by son, Paul (Sue) of Rice Lake WI; daughter, Lorna (Darren) Zais of Glen Flora WI; daughter-in-law, Denise (Gary) Eckel; grandsons, Gabe (Megan) Eckel of Spring Green WI, Caleb Eckel of Seattle WA, Jacob (Kristie) Eckel of Augusta WI, Dustin (Heather) Henning, Jesse (Hannah) Wilson and Seth (Rikki) Zais, all of Eau Claire; and granddaughter, Sarah (Mike) Larson of Rogers, MN. She was blessed with 5 great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by husband, Leonard; son, Gary; daughter, Jane Luanne; baby daughter, Eckel; along with brothers, Willis (Inga) Books, Donald Books, Raymond (Lillian) Books, Louis (Leona) Books, and Lyle (Geraldine) Books.

A funeral Service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Family and friends may leave condolences online at www.smithfuneralec.com

All who knew her will remember her stories, her wonderful cooking and her devotion to her family. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Dove Healthcare in Rice Lake and St. Croix Hospice.

For those unable to attend today's service, please visit the link below to livestream with us today.

https://vimeo.com/event/5446271