William “Bill” Ray Eckhart, 85, State Center

William “Bill” Ray Eckhart, 85, of State Center, passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at his home, surrounded by his family and under the care of the Iowa River Hospice Home.

Funeral services for Bill will be held on Monday, August 7, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St Paul Lutheran Church in State Center. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 6, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Memorials may be directed to the family. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Bill and his family.

William Ray Eckhart was born on January 13, 1938 in Marshalltown. He was the son of William H. and Lucretia (Riemenschneider) Eckhart. Bill graduated from State Center High School in 1955. On August 10, 1958, Bill was united in marriage to Darlene Shipley in Reinbeck, Iowa. Bill was a life-long farmer and a member of the Jaycees and Lincoln Valley golf course. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and playing cards. Bill was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan but above everything else, he cherished the time with his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

William is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Darlene. Children: Deb Brooks of State Center and Craig Eckhart of State Center. Grandchildren: Tressa (Thomas) Oetker of Grundy Center and Jeffery W. (Casey) Brooks of State Center. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Sophie and Gavin Oetker and Calliope and Henry Brooks along with several nieces and nephews.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents: William and Lucretia. Siblings: Lois Smith, Helen Nolta, Jeanette Eggers,  Glen “Bud” Eckhart, Dale Eckhart, John Eckhart and Doris Westphal along with his son-in-law: Jeff G. Brooks.