Ronald Jack Eckhardt

Ronald Jack Eckhardt was born August 16, 1933, to Muriel Nelson Eckhardt and Jack Eckhardt. Ron graduated Park High School in 1953 and then enlisted in the United States Army serving in the Core of Engineers in Korea.

His working career included Supervisor of Product Training for Jacobson Manufacturing, Manager of Corporate Sales for Walker Manufacturing, and Director of Corporate Sales Training for Tenneco Automotive. He also served other national companies as National Sales Manager, Marketing Manager, Product Service Manager and National Training Director.

Ron’s first love was downhill skiing. He was one of the founders and president of Wi-Ski-A Go Go Club of Racine. He was an active member of Kenosha Skinoshians, and a member of Milwaukee Vagabond Ski Club for over 45 years. His second passion was racing sailboats on Lake Michigan. He crewed on 40 and 45 foot boats in many of Lake Michigan’s largest races. He was a member of the Racine Yacht Club for 38 years and finished his sailing days by serving on the race committee for 15 years.

Ron loved wintering at his home in Mesa, Arizona for the last 28 years. He passed there in his happy place on February 27, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Faith Carstensen, and brothers in law George Nissen and Ed Petras. He is survived by his sisters JoAnn Nissen and Diane Petras, nieces, nephews and many friends on the ski slopes, sailing the waves, and basking in the Arizona sun.

Remembrances can be made to Holy Communion Church. Services will be held at Maresh Meredith and Acklam Funeral Home on May 8, 2025. Visitation 10:30-11:00, service at 11:00, Pastor Laura Fladten officiating.