Allen Ecker 04/04/2017

Allen Leroy Ecker, age 84 of Hudson, WI, died on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at Red Cedar Canyon in Hudson.  Allen was born the son of Alfred and Rose (Boesel) Ecker on September 23, 1932 in Baldwin, WI.  He grew up in Baldwin and Hammond area, graduating from Hammond High School with the class of 1949.  Allen went to work at Doboy in New Richmond, WI before joining the Army.  Allen was married to Darlene Zielkie on June 25, 1955 at the Hartland Methodist Church in Bay City, WI.  He was a truck driver by trade, driving local dedicated routes.  Allen drove for Erickson Oil and Consolidated Freightways.  He received numerous annual safe driver awards.  He was a proud member of the Teamsters local 120.  He was also a member of Bethel Lutheran Church.  Allen enjoyed gardening, woodworking, playing cards, and traveling.  He and Darlene visited all 50 states as well as many countries around the world.  He was an avid Packer fan.  Allen had a good work ethic, was kind and gentle, and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Rose Ecker; brother, Kenneth (Patricia) Ecker; sister, Donna (George) Peck; brothers-in-law, Bob Bennett, Dick Kinney; and sister-in-law, Doris Sorenson.  He is survived by his wife, Darlene Ecker; children, Gary (Nga) Ecker of Brooklyn Park, MN, Stephen (Desta) Ecker of Faribault, MN, Terri (Larry) Sande of Hudson, WI, Cheryl (Geoff) Moore of Highlands Ranch, CO; grandchildren, Peter (Yen) Tang, Dane (Ashley) Ecker, Stacy (Michael) Mehrkens, Stephanie Ecker, Trevor (Caryn) Sande, Rachel (Nick) Dewey, Olivia Moore; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Jerry, and Tina Tang, Caiden, Jackson, Warren and Rosalind Ecker, Avery and Ian Mehrkens, River Dewey; sisters, Carol Bennett, Leona Kinney; brother-in-law, Raymond (Lois) Zielkie; sister-in-law, Delores (Bill) Mathis; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 11 am at Bethel Lutheran Church Highlands Campus 504 Frontage Road Hudson, WI.  Visitation was also Saturday from 10-11 am at the church.  Interment was in Willow River Cemetery in Hudson.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of Hudson.