William Eckstein, 77

William "Bill" E. Eckstein, 77, of Alexandria, formerly of Sleepy Eye, lost his fight with cancer on Friday, June 1, 2012 at Bethany Nursing Home in Alexandria, with his family at his side.

Visitation will be at Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye on Tuesday, June 5 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sleepy Eye on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 11 a.m. The clergy will be Fr. Mark Steffl.

Interment will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Sleepy Eye.

Bill was born November 23, 1934 in Nicollet County to Otto and Mary (Schroepfer) Eckstein. He went to country school and then to St. Mary's High School.

He married Dorothy Rothmeier on September 12, 1957. The couple raised five daughters. He worked as a farmer, some trucking, but mainly in the lumber business in Sleepy Eye, Owatonna and Glenwood for 35 years before retirement.

Bill was a member of the Eagles and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the Twins baseball games, but mostly spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children, Nancy (David) Marti of Alexandria, Marsha (Shawn) Sellner of Sleepy Eye, Carrie (Al) Prechel of Springfield, Teresa (Steve) Berg of New Ulm and Stacie (Troy) Dillard of Oakdale; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, Rosie (Gerald) Stimpert of Sleepy Eye; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three infant children, Sandy, Marlin and Barbara; grandson, Lance Marti; brother, Cyril Eckstein; sister-in-law, Lorraine (Reinharts) Eckstein; niece, Karen Eckstein; and nephew, Kevin Eckstein.

E-mail condolences may be sent to the family via www.sturmfh.com.

Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye; www.sturmfh.com.

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