Susan Marie Eckstaedt
August 08, 2020
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Service Details
Susan Marie (Eslinger) Eckstaedt, 69, was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on May 25th, 1951, and passed away peacefully on August 8th, with loved ones at her side after a courageous battle with ALS.
Sue was the oldest child of Marlyn P. and Doris M. (Drilling) Eslinger. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Eau Claire, and was a proud Regis High Rambler, class of 1969. Sue then attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and earned a degree in Education and Library Science and later a Master’s in Counseling at Drake University. Sue taught for 36 years in Wisconsin and Iowa, retiring from the Waukee Community School District in 2010. Sue loved her career, colleagues, and her students.
Sue married Tom Eckstaedt in 1974, and they began their life together in Milwaukee, WI. After a few years, they moved to Des Moines, IA, where they remained their entire married life raising three daughters, Ann, Elizabeth, and Catherine. Sue loved her family more than anything; she was a dedicated wife, mother, sister, friend, and #1 Grandma Gigi. Sue had a warm, generous, and loving soul. She never missed an opportunity to tell all in her life how much she cared, loved, and was grateful for them.All will miss her smile, sweet voice, red lips, and lively spirit. She made everyone’s day brighter. Our hearts are full because of her.
Sue is survived by her devoted husband and caregiver Tom; their daughters, Ann (Michael) Lucas of Newton, MA, Elizabeth (Nathan) Panther of Muscatine, IA, and Catherine Eckstaedt, St. Louis Park, MN; her mother, Doris Eslinger of Roseville, MN; her beloved sister and best friend, Carol (Jim) Thury of Roseville,MN; nieces, Christine (Ben) Adamson and Maggie Thury; and nephews, Dave (Dionne) Eckstaedt and Joe (Nicole) Paton. Sue was blessed with four beautiful grandchildren that she adored, Cole Panther, Reese Lucas, Kate Panther, and William Lucas. Sue is also survived by sister-in law, Jill Eslinger and brothers-in law, James (Kathy) Eckstaedt and Norman (Martha) Eckstaedt.
Her father, Marlyn P. Eslinger and her brother, Joseph Eslinger preceded Sue in death.
We thank the University of Iowa ALS Clinic and Unity Point of Des Moines Care Teams for their dedicated care to Sue and all our friends and family for their love and support.
Sue has requested a private service. Condolences for the family may be offered online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Des Moines Walk- ALS Association Iowa Chapter- Walk to Defeat ALS “Team Sue”. 3636 Westown Pkwy, Ste 204 West Des Moines, IA 50266.
Lee McFee
08/19/2020
Tom & family, I was so sorry to hear about your loss! I will pray for Susan and for all of you during this time of grief. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!
Gary and Jan Schirm
08/18/2020
Tom and family, we are so sad to hear of Sue's passing. Her loss creates a void in your lives that can never be filled. I taught with Sue at Waukee. We were smaller then, so even though I was in the elementary and Sue in middle school, we still had many interactions, which I thoroughly enjoyed! Sue always had a smile and genuine happiness! You could just see how much Sue loved her family and her teaching family - adults and kids! Everyone knew she cared about them! Before coming to Waukee Sue taught with my mom, Lucy Roe, at Dexfield. Mom said we were lucky at Waukee to add Sue to our staff. We hope your love of Sue creates memories that will help comfort you all. Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time and in those times to come. Jan
Joni williams
08/18/2020
Catherine and family. Im so sorry to hear that your mom passed. Though I didnt know her well, she was always so friendly w/ that beautiful smile. Know that Im thinking of you all and remembering you in my prayers.
Steven Skoog
08/18/2020
Tom, deepest condolences to your family and you from your friends at the Des Moines Chapter of IMA. We all have a heavy heart. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn Kuhn
08/17/2020
I'm so saddened to learn of Susan's passing. Susan and I worked together in the West Des Moines Community Schools Summer School program. She was our Summer School "manager", helping to make all of our plans happen. I've rarely met anyone who could light up a room, improve your mood or just make you laugh or smile like Susan. She was a beautiful soul and although I haven't seen her for many years, or even knew of her struggle with ALS, I feel the void left by her in this world. Rest in Paradise, Susan.
Lynn Richardson
08/17/2020
I worked with Sue on so many projects for the Waukee Schools. She was a joy and full of ideas. As a graphic artist I helped her create new learning materials specific to Waukee. Im so sorry the world has lost her sweet smile.
Leanne Young @ Don Smith
08/17/2020
Please accept our condolences in the loss of your beautiful wife and mother Susan. We send our deepest sympathies and prayers to all of you in this family sincerely Leanne young and Don Smith
Jerry and Linda Thomson
08/17/2020
Tom and family. So very sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Dean Taake
08/17/2020
Tom: I am so very sorry for your loss; prayers for peace & comfort. From what you have said about Sue, I know your love was deep and true. I will be thinking of you, and wish you the very best during these sad times.
Judy Martinson
08/16/2020
Tom, Ann, Elizabeth, Catherine and family, Marty are I are so sad to read of Susan's illness and passing. I loved knowing her and visiting with her - she was always so upbeat, happy and caring! I loved hearing about the girls and their activities/families. I wish I had more time to spend with her! I remember her running down your backyard to ours to take pictures of Christine and her date for her Senior Prom year. She was just one wonderful woman and I already miss knowing she is not here but she will be in my memories forever! Thinking of you all and sending our love and sympathy to you and your family! Marty, Judy, Michael Martinson and Christine Lemke.
Michelle Knight Bane
08/16/2020
Tom, its been many years since we worked together @ then American Can!! I am so sorry for your loss as Sue was a beautiful person! I transferred to American Can back in 1980 from Scranton Pa & you & your family were the best!! I just wish that God comforts you in your loss. Even though I was in scheduling & you in accounting we were always able to put aside work issues at our companies Christmas parties. May God comfort you.
Linda Johnson
08/16/2020
Ann, Liz, and Cat,
I'm so very sorry to read of your mom's death. I remember just how fun and positive she was whenever we'd conference at Clive School, meet on the street, or chit chat at Younkers. I'm sure she was strong in fighting ALS. Please give my best to your dad also.
Barbara (Avgerinos) Perkins
08/16/2020
Dear Tom and Family,
Im so very saddened to read of Sues passing. Although we infrequently saw one another, I can honestly say that Sue was one of the kindest, friendliest, warmest, and most humble people Ive ever met. She always took an interest in me and in my family, and never complained. I know my late parents adored Sue. I remember how very proud Sue was when speaking of her girls, and of their accomplishments. Sue was a ray of sunshine! Sending the warmest thoughts and prayers to each of you during this difficult time.
May her memory be eternal.
Barbara (Avgerinos) Perkins
David R Rasey
08/16/2020
Tom: I am greatly saddened by your loss. From what you have said about Sue, I know your love was deep and true. I will be thinking of you, and wish you the very best during these sad times.
Gary Poppinga
08/16/2020
Tom and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have such awesome memories of Sue. She was so friendly and helpful to me when I first started teaching and throughout my teaching career at Waukee. I continued to run into Sue often at Younkers after she retired from teaching and she always had such a huge smile and welcoming demeanor. I am saddened to learn of Sue's death but I know she really loved her family, she would tell me stories of Tom and the girls often, and they were always stories of love and laughter. God Bless all of you.