Obituary of Michael J. Eckrich

Mike Eckrich, 72, formerly of Solon, died at his Decorah home on March 19, 2014. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7pm Thursday, March 27, 2014, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Private family services with burial next to his parents at St. Joseph Cemetery will be held prior to visitation. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Mike's memory to Friends of St. Bridget's or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Michael John Eckrich was born Feb 10, 1942 in Iowa City, the eldest child of John George and Margaret Bridget "Mid" Ryan Eckrich. He was raised on the family farm in Nolan Settlement in the shadow of St Bridget's Church where his Irish ancestors settled. Following graduation from Solon High School, he attended Loras College, the University of Iowa and graduated from from Arizona State University with a degree in business. He worked in sales for US Steel and 3M and later had an office furniture business in San Francisco. Mike participated in several marathons in the San Francisco area, enjoyed skiing, and journeyed on a 4 month backpacking trip in Europe. Mike rode several RAGBRAIs with his brother John whom he'd nicknamed "Beav" as a child. He later obtained a teaching certificate from UNI and taught in Wisconsin and the Iowa City Area. While living in Iowa City, Mike assisted his mother in her care allowing her to remain in her home as long as she did. Mike is survived by his sister Irene Royston of Iowa City and her children Clint (Natalie) and his children Christian and Jackie of Des Moines and Wendy (Chad) Berry and their children Burke and Mardie of Hills; and his brother John "Beav" (Dawn) and their daughter Amy Eckrich of Iowa City along with many cousins. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents Michael H. and Ellen A. Maher Ryan and William H. and Angela C. Wall Eckrich; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.