Obituary of Charles Lee Eckhardt

Obituary Charles Eckhardt, age 85, of Wellington, Colorado passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins. Charles was born April 23, 1937, in Greeley, the eldest child of Charlie and Katheryn Eckhardt. Charles was also known as Charlie or Chuck to his many friends and family. Charles’ earliest childhood days living on a farm in the Greeley area were highlighted by daily trips with his grandpa to a local shop to enjoy a cup of fresh strawberry ice cream, leading to a lifetime love of it. Soon, Charles and his family settled in the Ault area on the family farm where he finished growing up and learned his love of the land. After graduation from Ault High School, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served as a machinist on the USS Hornet aircraft carrier. He was proud to be a U.S. Veteran and held many fond memories of the 39 months that he was aboard the ship. On February 26, 1961, Charles married Cecilia Miller. Together they raised their three children and farmed for 40 years in the Ault area. After retiring from farming in 2001, they moved to Wellington. His love of farming ran deep and continued even after he retired, with him planting and harvesting a large vegetable garden every year. Charles was an avid fisherman. One of the highlights of his retirement was to be able to fish the surrounding Wellington area lakes year-round. Whether through the frozen ice in the middle of the lake, from shore sitting on his bucket, or trolling in the boat, he was always the one catching the most fish! Charles had many other interests. He was a Colorado sports fan, through and through. He loved watching the Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche, and Rockies, whether they won or lost. After retirement, solving crossword puzzles became a daily pastime. In his later years, Charles also enjoyed helping his daughter, Cheryl, with canning and freezing the vegetables from their gardens. He also liked watching old westerns and shows from the 60’s and 70’s with his dog, Snickers, who will be saving his favorite spot on the couch! Above all, Charles loved his family and was always very proud of them. He had a special place in his heart for his grandkids and great grandkids, lighting up when they would visit. He even carried their pictures in his wallet so he could show them off to people he knew. We will miss his quiet wisdom and many stories. Charles is survived by his wife, Cecilia Eckhardt, daughters Susan Halbach (Pat), Cheryl Thompson (Mike), and son John Eckhardt. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Jacob and Sarah Thompson, Katie, Emily and Lindsay Halbach, and two great grandchildren, Madoc and Charlotte McConnell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Katheryn Eckhardt, brother, Larry Eckhardt and sister, Patricia Fisher. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023 in Wellington at Vessey Funeral Service. Memorial gifts may be made in the form of donations to: Wellington Fire District - Emergency Medical Response In Care Of: Vessey Funeral Service, 2649 East Mulberry Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524 Services Celebration of Life Thursday January 12, 2023 2:00 PM Vessey Funeral Service (Wellington) Guaranteed delivery before the Celebration of Life begins