Rita Mae Eckert, 74, of Union Grove, passed away from Parkinsons disease on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at her residence. She was lovingly cared for in their home by her husband of 55 years and will be dearly missed.

She was born on October 27, 1949, in Kenosha, WI, and was the daughter of the late John and Jennie (Stone) Hensgen. Rita attended local schools and graduated from Tremper High School in 1967. On August 27, 1969, she married James Hartford Eckert Sr.

Rita started her career at Great Lakes Navel Training Center.  There she worked for Service School Command.

Later she transferred to the V.A.M.C. in North Chicago, IL.  Rita started at the VA in Human Resources.  At the end of her VA career, Rita did clerical work as well as scheduling physicals at Great Lakes Naval Base.

Rita retired after 36 plus years of Federal employment.

Rita enjoyed the Springtime, collecting Precious Moments, making her (family famous) carrot cake and pumpkin cheesecakes.  She loved hosting family gatherings for the holidays and summer cookouts.

Surviving are her husband, James Eckert Sr.; three sons who she lovingly cared for James (Pamela) Eckert Jr., Henry Eckert, and Robert (Danelle) Eckert, of Kenosha; two brothers, John Hensgen and Paul Hensgen of Kenosha, WI; eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Holbrook; and brothers, Leonard Hensgen and David Hensgen.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to Sherry, and the staff at Journey (Hospice) Care for their compassion and care that was given to Rita.

Service Info

Funeral services honoring Rita's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the Piasecki Funeral Home.

Interment will follow in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

A visitation for Rita will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.