Gladys A. Eckardt, age 86 of Tigerton passed away Saturday, October 1, 2022, peacefully at her home with family by her side.
The former Gladys Anna Schmidt was born on August 19, 1936, at home in the Town of Norwood, Langlade County, to Andrew and Iva (Johnson) Schmidt. She graduated from Antigo High School in 1954. In her early days, she helped on her parent’s farm. She also waitressed and worked at the canning factory in Antigo. Gladys was united in marriage on June 6, 1956, to Bernard A. Eckardt at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, Antigo. After marriage she became a proud homemaker, working side-by-side with her husband on the dairy farm and taking care of their family. Her husband preceded her in death on April 5, 1996.
Gladys was a longtime member of St. Anthony’s parish, serving with the Ladies Society and as a Catechist teacher. She also was active in the church quilting groups and helped as an usher. Gladys started the Middle Branch 4-H Club and served as a General Leader for many years. Her interests included deer hunting, gardening, canning, crocheting, sewing, knitting, playing cards, and collecting bells. In her younger years, she played the accordion and continued to enjoy listening and dancing to polka music all her life.
Gladys loved spending time with family, friends, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She took great pride in her ability to remember many relatives’ birthdays and anniversaries. More recently, she liked seeing the wildlife from her window, especially the hummingbirds at the feeders that would be watching her back.
Survivors include eight children: Linda (Bill) Robertson of Tigerton, Roger (Carleen) Eckardt of Tigerton, Leonard Eckardt of Tigerton, Karen Schreiber of Mosinee, Brian Eckardt of Tigerton, David Eckardt of Wausau, Gary Eckardt of Tigerton, and Paul (special friend Missy Radies) Eckardt of Tigerton. There are 10 grandchildren: James (Amanda) Eckardt, Jodi (Charlie) Klinner, Bethany (Patrick) Riley, Kristy (Harold) Sargent, Tristan (Becky) Meyer, Tina Eckardt, Ann (Devyn) Schuetter, Taylor (Cody) Spatz, Chris (Abby) Mierzejewski, and Samantha (special friend Dylan Robbins) Wojnowiak. There are 17 great grandchildren: Faith Eckardt, Emilee Eckardt, Lily Eckardt, Gabrielle (friend Jeran Mengel) Chroge, Abigail (friend Montana Paul) Robbins, Dylan Resch, Carson Klinner, Keira Riley, Kathryn Riley, Samuel Riley, Allison Cheeseman, Peyton Spatz, Hayden Meyer, Caleb Noth, Lettie Noth, Gianna Gonzalez, and Chloe Stiles. She is further survived by one great-great grandson, Jaxson Mengel; one sister-in-law, Patricia Schmidt; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bernard; a son-in-law, Frederick Schreiber; daughter-in-law, Gail Eckardt; two sisters, Grace (Luther) Ison and Pearl (Ralph) Lenzner; and three brothers, Lawrence (Bertha) Schmidt, Ralph (Arlene) Schmidt, and LeRoy Schmidt.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, October 6th at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Tigerton. Fr. Mattew Settle will officiate and burial will follow at Town of Morris Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Tigerton, and on Thursday from 10:00 AM until time of service at the church.
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