Born September 16, 1946, Goodsoil, SK
Passed away February 28, 2025, Meadow Lake, SK

Funeral Liturgy
11 am Friday March 14, 2025
St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church
Goodsoil, Saskatchewan
Celebrated Father Dong Doan Officiating

Survived By:
Wife: Irene Eckel; Daughter: Denise (Jim) Unger; Son: Barry Eckel; 2 Granddaughters: Taylor Unger (Alex Sabrowski) and Sidney Unger (Jorden Beeler); 2 Sisters: Bertha Hinger and Bernadine (Harvie) Vollman; 4 Brothers: Joe (Bernice) Eckel, David (Eunice) Eckel, Tim (Yvonne) Eckel and Edward (Marilyn) Eckel; 1 Sister-in-law: Patricia Eckel; 3 Brothers-in-law: Ervin Sinclair, Dale (Tracy) Lay and Randy (Iris) Lay, along with numerous nieces and nephews along with their growing families.

Predeceased By:
Parents: Wenzel and Monica Eckel; In-Laws: John and Ruby Lay; Sister: Delores Eckel; Brother: Albert Eckel; Sister-in-Law: Peggy Sinclair; Brother-in-Law: Tony Hinger; Son: John Edward Eckel

Interment
St. Boniface Cemetery, Goodsoil, Sask.

Today, we gather to honor and remember Ken Eckel, a man who was as hardworking and dedicated as he was full of love and humor. Born on September 16, 1946, to Wenzel and Monica Eckel, Ken grew up as one of nine children, learning the value of family and perseverance early on.

In 1967, Ken married the love of his life, Irene Lay, and together they had three children: John, Denise, and Barry. He was a proud father and a devoted grandfather to Taylor and Sidney. Ken was a constant presence in their lives, and though they lovingly referred to him as Grumpy, it was a nickname that reflected his playful side, not his heart, which was filled with love for them.

Ken’s journey through life was marked by his tireless work ethic. He started as a nickel miner in Thompson, Manitoba, and then returned to the farm. However, it was when he and Irene took a leap of faith and bought the Gulf station in Goodsoil later known as Ken’s Service that Ken truly became an icon in the community. For 36 years, he operated that business, seven days a week, always ready to help anyone who needed it. He was never afraid of hard work, and he touched countless lives through his willingness to lend a hand, whether it was fixing a car, offering advice, or just being there when someone needed him.

Beyond his work, Ken had a zest for life. He was an athlete in his younger years, playing Hockey with the Goodsoil Flyers where he made friends for life. He was a proud Lion’s member. He was a passionate Rider fan, and Sundays during football season were sacred to him. No matter what was happening around him, Ken made sure he was watching the Riders with a dedication that left no question about where his loyalties lay. It was his way of showing his true, spirited nature, loyal, dedicated, and always ready for a good game.

Ken’s relationship with his granddaughters, Taylor and Sidney, was something truly special. Sidney, has a memory that always makes us smile of the time she tried to read the map upside down at Disneyland, planning out our next adventure, and getting Grumpy to go on the kids roller coaster, which turned out to be scarier than the big one. But Ken, ever the sport, went along with it, always ready for an adventure with his grandkids.

And then there was Taylor, whom Ken tried to teach how to drive. While it might not have been a success in the traditional sense considering the number of small accidents along the way, Ken never gave up. He was patient, loving, and always made sure to share his wisdom.

One of Kens favorite things to do was spend time with his granddaughters, and he was never too tired to get down on the floor and give them horsey rides. He loved making them laugh, and those moments, though simple, meant everything to him.

Kens legacy is one of hard work, family, and humor. He was a man who lived for his loved ones and for the moments that brought him joy whether it was a good football game, time spent with his grandkids, or a hard days work at Kens Service.

While we will miss him dearly, we will always carry with us the lessons he taught us: to be loyal, to work hard, and to make time for those we love. His memory will live on in all the stories we share, the laughter we continue to have, and the love he gave us.

Rest in peace, Dad, Grumpy. You were loved beyond measure, and we will carry you in our hearts forever.

Condolences To The Family Can Be Sent To www.jethomasfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2025-03-28
• Location : Meadow Lake, Sask.