Galen G. Eckert – Rochester

Galen G. Eckert, 76, of Rochester, MN, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA and Janesville, WI, died Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at his residence surrounded by family. Galen was born May 1, 1939 in Janesville, WI to Charles and Esther (Johnson) Eckert.

The funeral for Galen G. Eckert will be 11:00 am on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, MN with Reverend Paul Nelson officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood East Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at the church

He graduated from Janesville Senior High School In 1958. In March 1962, he married Dorothy J. Zwergel. She passed away on September 10, 1963. Galen married Patricia A. Truesdill on June 18, 1966 in Janesville, WI. The couple lived in Janesville, WI until 1987, when they moved to Pittsburgh, PA. In 2010, they moved to Rochester, MN to be near family. Galen worked at General Motors for many years. In 1985, he transitioned to Electronic Data Systems (EDS), a subsidiary of GM, and shortly after was transferred to Pittsburgh, PA where he was a Manager at the GM Fabrication Plant.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia (Truesdill) Eckert, four daughters, Kelly (Tad) Kinyon, Elysian, MN, Debra (David) Brown, Rochester, MN, Jill (Jeffrey) Nelson, Holmen, WI, and Paula (Jon) Nadel, Pittsburgh, PA; his sister, Dee Ann (John) Martin, Canton, MI; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased in death by his brother, Don Eckert and by his parents, Charles & Esther Eckert.

Galen loved his faith, family, planning vacations, innovated electronics and the sports package network. In his spare time, he loved playing golf, bowling, chess and especially playing cards with friends and family.

Memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association (heart.org). The address is: 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL  60674.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.