Tomah - Raymond E. Eckelberg, age 80, of Tomah, WI, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 at his home. He was born on September 19, 1942 in the township of Wilton, WI to Reuben and Celia (Miller) Eckelberg. He was united in marriage to Joyce L. Lietz on May 19, 1970 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tomah. She preceded him in death in 2016.
Ray worked for 32 years for the City of Tomah on the Public Works Department and was also a member of the Oakdale Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years. In his later years, he enjoyed working at the south side Kwik Trip in Tomah (which started an era in the family that spanned for 3 generations). Ray enjoyed interacting with his co-workers and the customers that came into the store. He was an avid fisherman, woodworker, and more than anything loved to assist others in any way he could lend a hand (especially the neighbor kids). He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his two sons, Scott Eckelberg of Hixton, WI, and Kevin (Jennifer) Eckelberg of Tomah, WI; son-in-law, Mike Haines of Black River Falls, WI; sister, Ellen (Bill) Reneau of Tomah; grandchildren, Nathanial and Anneliese Eckelberg, Jordana (significant other-Brian) Haines and Mikhael (Jordan) Langrehr, and Alauna and Kyrah Eckelberg; great grandchildren, Aiden Marie Haines, Rory Mae Langrehr, and Roman Langrehr; along with his extended Taphouse Twenty family; in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Celia; his wife, Joyce; a daughter, Lisa Haines; along with several brothers and sisters.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Warrens. Pastor Mark Wilkens will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Tomah. Family and friends are invited for visitation on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Additional visitation will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Ray’s family would like to encourage everyone to come as you are in terms of funeral attire, and plaid flannels would be appropriate if you wish. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Chloe Kay Memorial Scholarship, Kyson’s Voice, Ronald McDonald House in Rochester, MN, or wagr.org to support Riley’s Resilience. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
