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.
Ann and Larry Blumberg
08/16/2020
We were so sorry to hear of Sues passing. We so enjoyed getting together with you and Sue in our younger days. It was always fun running into Sue in the neighborhood-she was always smiling. May your wonderful memories help you at this time. Ann and Larry
Jill Eslinger
08/15/2020
Sue was an awesome sister in law. Even though we didnt get to see each other often, when we did get to visit each other she went out of her way to make me feel like family. Her late brother Joe loved her so much and would look forward to his visits back home so he could be with his family, usually celebrating both of their birthdays that were one day apart.
You all have my heartfelt and deepest sympathy.
Jill Eslinger
Dominice Dearing
08/15/2020
It was a pleasure working with you Sue.You had such a beautiful heart. Rest peacefully you have gained your wings.
Tim + Deanna Trausch
08/14/2020
Please know how very sorry we are to hear of Susans passing. Im sure she is at peace now and will always be watching over you and your family. Let us know if we can be of help to you in any way!
Kurt & Renee Schaeffer
08/14/2020
Unfortunately we knew this was coming and it's always hard when it occurs. We miss Susan's bright sunny smile and laugh and of course we miss the family as neighbors. We wish all of you the best through these difficult times.
Ian Coon
08/13/2020
My first day of 6th grade was nerve-wracking like anyones as the first time in a new environment, new people, new classes, and new life as a young adult not in elementary school. That only lasted a few minutes until I walked into Mrs. Eckstaedts advisory. There was an immediate sense of spunk and fun with a deep intimacy between every single one of us, still bug-eyed, and her.
After that first day, I spent every waking minute before during and after school that I could in the library helping shelve books, check out books, organize technology, run the book fair, decorate excessively, use too many Clorox wipes, laminate hardcovers, gossip with every teacher, steal her keys, fix a printer, get us both in trouble with the front office for laughing too much and breaking probably lots of rules.
Our advisory named ourselves Eckstaedts Purple Peoplez and hosted weekly fashion shows for the 6th grade purple team to all congregate and walk on the tables like a runway to every Black Eyed Peas and Justin Bieber song there was out there in 2010.
She made me want to become a librarian and is a main reason I care so much for public education still to this day. She inspired the near decade of writing and advocating Ive done for students leading education reform and what it means for educators to care about students. She valued young folks as people with brilliant ideas and let me know daily how nice it was to have me as her main student helper. Even after her retirement that school year we would spend Friday nights at the mall and always go find Sue working part time at Younkers (always keeping busy!) and got her in trouble with a manager many times Im sure for the hooligans we were at the time running around a fine department store.
I didnt know Id make it here in life when I met Sue 10 years ago, and I certainly didnt think shed be gone so soon. We havent talked in many years and I never got the opportunity to fully share how much she meant to me in meeting at the time we did in life. Let this serve as a reminder that Its never too much to reach out to someone and let them know their impact. We never know when itll be too late.
Nancy Panther
08/13/2020
Sending our heartfelt sympathy. We are so sorry for your loss. What a Wonderful Woman---gracious, caring, kind and understanding; energetic, talented and fun; amazing strength and courage. She was a source of joy and happiness. Truly a beautiful person, inside and out. Sue will be missed. Her friendship meant so much to me. I feel very blessed. I cherish the all too few moments we shared. Tim and I know your hearts are heavy and filled with pain but love and precious memories will prevail. She has been such a great part of your life and will always be with you in so many ways. May you find Peace and Comfort. God will provide. He is always with you. Love, Nancy & Tim
Whitney Trembly
08/13/2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. She was my librarian in middle school and I remember her very well.
David Morse
08/12/2020
Tom-
I am so sorry for your loss.
I will have a good thought for you, Susan, and the rest of your family.
Dave Morse
Susan Sandholm Petersen
08/12/2020
My heart is shattered. I am so sorrowful to learn of the loss of my dear friend and colleague. Sue was such an inspirational and supportive friend, with incredible gifts for listening and understanding. She was a blessing to all who knew her. You are all in my heart and prayers at this sad time of great loss.
Collette Brunscheen-Leonhardt
08/12/2020
Tom and family, I am so sad for you, the girls, and family. I am so blessed to have had Susan as a friend. I loved her energy, her intelligence, her style, and her laugh. I am so sad she had to struggle. May you be blessed with fond memories and the Lords loving comfort.
Casey Lux
08/12/2020
The Eckstaedt Family & Cat,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Although, I have never had the fortune of meeting the late Susan, knowing how wonderful, caring and thoughtful of a person, Cat is, I can see how Susan's virtue's, values and leading by example has rubbed off. In anytime of loss, I like to remember the found memories, funny, happy or even sad, and continue to tell stories so her life on earth and legacy continues on. May God hold her in the palm of his hand, and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I will gladly donate to "Team Sue" to help combat and someday beat ALS.
- Casey
Denise Krefting
08/12/2020
Im so sorry for your loss. Sue was a wonderful colleague while I was at Waukee. She helped me orient myself in my early years at the middle school. Sue was so kind and helpful to my children as well as countless other students. Hugs
Mike and Sharman Blake
08/12/2020
Tom and Eckstaedt family, our hearts are broken to learn of Sues death! I specifically treasured Sues friendship and loveliness. I dont know how many years we were colleagues, but I always loved her as a good friend. May God bless you all and give you peace. My prayers will be used to bring Gods love to your doorstep. Mike and Sharman Blake
Drue and Don Cavanaugh
08/12/2020
We are so saddened by this news of Sues passing. She was such a lovely and loving lady. We had no idea she was battling ALS but we are sure she wanted it to be a private battle. Our deepest sympathy to Tom, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine, and all of Sues extended family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.