Edith G. Eckblad

Edith G. (nee: Berven) Eckblad, 85, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints.

She was born in Baltic, South Dakota, on April 14, 1923, the daughter of Leander G. ‘Lee’ and Louise M. (nee: Simonson) Berven. On June 9, 1943, Edith was united in marriage to Marshall Eckblad at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Racine. She was a member of Calvary Memorial Church and the National League of Pen Women.

Edith was the author of Kindness Is A Lot of Things, Soft As The Wind, Danny’s Orange Christmas Camel, Something For Jesus and other published children’s books. Edith also taught writing workshops at Gateway, was active in church visitation, and was an active member of the Women’s Club of Racine. In addition she was a volunteer at All Saints Gift Shop for many years.

Surviving are her children, Dr. Mark (Judith) Eckblad of Madison, Jonathan (Marjorie) Eckblad of Racine, Rev. James (Barbara) Eckblad of West Bend, Nancy (Michael) Petee of Miller Place, NY, and Peter (Sally) Eckblad of Racine; 12 grandchildren, Lisa (Ben) Jacobson, Charity (James) Chiappetta, Susanna Eckblad, Heidi (Robert) Peterson, Luke Eckblad, Marshall Eckblad, Michael Eckblad, Jack Eckblad, Peter Eckblad, Hilary Petee, Maxwell Petee and Elena Eckblad; 7 great-grandchildren, Quinn, Asher, Hazel, Isabella, Josephine, Leo and Bennett; sister, Leone (Nazareth) Gengozian of Oak Ridge, TN; sisters-in-law, Doris Eckblad of North Carolina and Margaret Eckblad of Winona, MN. Edith is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marshall, on April 18, 1996, and her parents.

Funeral services will be held at Calvary Memorial Church, 4001 Washington Ave., on Friday, August 22, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Richard Ferrell officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be a visitation at the church before services from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Memorials in memory of Edith to Calvary Memorial Church have been suggested.

Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine, (262)632-4479