Ishpeming – William Arvo Eckloff, age 88, of 875 Patriot St. (North Lake Location) passed away Monday July 27, 2015 at U.P. Heath System-Bell in Ishpeming.

William was born July 7, 1927 in Iron Mountain, MI to Arvo A. and Vaudis I. (Douglas) Eckloff. The family moved to Ishpeming in June of 1942. William graduated from Ishpeming High School with the class of 1945. He worked for the L.S. & I. Railroad as a section hand during the summers of 1944 and 1945. He was drafted into the US Army in December of 1945 and enlisted into the Army again in February 1946. He served in Germany during occupation in US Constabulary Force patrolling the East German border until September 1953. He was honorably discharged from the Army in December of 1953.

William met and married Lonny Brueksch, of Germany, and they had one daughter born in Germany, Patricia. His wife and daughter arrived in Ishpeming on October of 1953. William was employed as a Police officer for the city of Ishpeming for around 2 years. Following that he worked for the State of Michigan, Liquor Control Commission as a store clerk for approximately 11 years. He was then employed by CCI at the Pioneer Plant for 6 years. William enjoyed hunting, fishing, and just going to camp.

William was a member of the Michigan Army National Guard, 107th Engineering Battalion in Ishpeming for 28 years. His final 15 years he served as a fulltime Guardsman during which he worked as a battalion training specialist. William retired in July of 1987 as Sgt. Major of the Battalion.

William is survived by his son Kenneth W. (Debbie) Eckloff of Ishpeming, two daughters, Patricia Benstrom of Ishpeming and Heidi (Joe) Hemstock of Stephenson, grandchildren - Rachael (Steve) Laurin, Rebecca (fiancé Nick Sanchez) Perry, Hannah, Aaron, Emily, Rachael, Nathan, Josiah, Bethany Hemstock, great grandchildren - Alexa, Jesse, Grace, William, Ava and Nola, brothers - Russell, Elmer (Doris), and Kenneth Eckloff, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
William was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Howard, and sister Marjorie (Clarence) Bevard.

William's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church in Negaunee. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am on Thursday at the Eastwood Apostolic Lutheran Church with the Rev. John Robenault to officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the U.P. Army National Guard Military Honors team. Internment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.

William's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .