MIDDLETON - Robert B. Eckdale, 74, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on September 11, 1951, in Marshall, Minn., the beloved son of John and Dorothy (Quammen) Eckdale. Bob was a devoted and supportive husband to his wife of 53 years, Becky, whom he adored, as well as a loving father to his two children, Robert and Nicole.

His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family and many more whose lives he has touched. Bob would want to be remembered not for the way his life ended, but for how he lived and the impact he had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

After graduating from Marshall High School in 1969, he road-tripped out west to California and Arizona with friends. Returning to Marshall, he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Becky, and they were married in July 1972. Soon after, Bob went into the U.S. Air Force, stationed as a medical technician at Elmendorf Airforce Base in Anchorage, Alaska. He was transferred to Willford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. After his honorable discharge, Bob, Becky and their two children moved to Madison, Wis., where Bob earned a B.S. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Engineering. He went on to work for 37 years at the Wisconsin DNR as an Environmental Engineer.

Outside of his work, Bob found joy in spending time with the people he loved, especially his three granddaughters, Sophia, Chloe and Grace. When not with his family he could be found reading, landscaping, cooking, golfing, and cross-stitching, which he was taught by his mother. Those who knew Bob will remember him for his infectious smile and laughter (which was unmistakably his). He always enjoyed talking with people.

Bob is survived by his wife, Becky; children, Nicole (Ryan) Eckdale-Dudley and Robert (Jenifer Thompson) Eckdale; grandchildren, Sophia Eckdale-Dudley, Chloe Eckdale-Dudley and Grace Eckdale-Dudley; brother, James (Cindy) Eckdale; and sister-in-law, Joyce Eckdale. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and John; sister, Catherine Eckdale; and brother, Thomas Eckdale.

The family will be holding a private celebration of life to honor Bob. They would like to give special thanks to the Agrace HospiceCare staff for the incredible care and comfort given to both Bob and his family in his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Agrace HospiceCare. Memorial donations may be made in Robert Eckdale’s name to Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or at Agrace.org/Donate. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Bob was a sentimentalist, writing eloquent notes to Becky. In his words:

Hold on to me,

and I will hold on to you

through anything and everything life brings our way.

Bring me your worries,

and I will listen with

my heart.

Tell me what you need, and I will do my best

to give it to you.

Love me,

even when it isn’t easy,

and I promise to love you,

always.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

Robert B Eckdale

September 11, 1951 - September 29, 2025

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