John S. Eckmayer, age 64 of Beaver Dam, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at his home in Beaver Dam.

John was born on February 4, 1946 to Nicholas S. and Betty (nee Bost) Eckmayer in Chicago, IL. John joined the United States Army and honorably served during the Vietnam War from 1967-1968. On November 2, 1974, he was united in marriage to Marcia Keil at First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam. John had several different occupations throughout his life, locally working as a salesman and business owner. He enjoyed fishing, bowling and collecting sports cards. John was also quite the handyman and loved to do arts and crafts. John was most proud of his family. They meant the world to him, and he loved spending time with them more than anything else. John was a member of the John E. Miller American Legion Post 146, VFW Post 1163 and First Ev. Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam.

John is survived by his wife, Marcia of Beaver Dam; his children, Brenda (Steve Coda) Eckmayer of Beaver Dam, Laura (Tom) Rechek of Fox Lake, and John K. Eckmayer of Beaver Dam; his grandchildren, Hannah Coda and Thomas John Rechek; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Eckmayer of IL; his mother-in-law, Florence Keil of Beaver Dam; his sister-in-laws, Marlene (Jerry) Zuelke of Wisconsin Rapids and Margaret (Don) Schweiger of Beaver Dam; and his brother-in-laws, David (Sharon) Keil of Beaver Dam and Robert (Mary) Keil of IL. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

John was preceded in death by his father, Nicholas; his mother, Betty; his step-father, Howard Thies; his brother, Nick F. Eckmayer; and his father-in-law, Frederick Keil.

A Funeral Service for John will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at First Ev. Lutheran Church, 311 W. Mackie Street, Beaver Dam with Rev. Dr. Mark Molldrem officiating. Visitation will precede the funeral beginning at 10:00 a.m. John E. Miller Post 146 is invited for a walk through to pay your respects at 11:15 a.m. Immediately following the service, burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens, Town of Trenton, with Graveside Military Rites provided by John E. Miller Post 146. A luncheon will take place after the burial at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd, Beaver Dam.

The Eckmayer family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Hillside Hospice and Rev. Dr. Mark Molldrem and Rev. Mark Jensen for all their compassionate care, kind words and support during the past few months.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.