Charles Eckberg Obituary

Charles Magnus Eckberg, of Newcastle, died on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006, at the Weston County Manor in Newcastle, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was 80 years old.

Charles was born June 18, 1926, in Anaconda, the son of Peter and Mary Eckberg. Charles, along with his three sisters, was raised in Anaconda and attended Anaconda schools. He graduated from Anaconda High in 1944. While attending Anaconda High, Charles was a popular student and a tremendous athlete. He was the student body president, junior class president and a member of the National Honor Society. He earned eight varsity letters in football, basketball and track. He was the starting left end on Anaconda High's 1943 Class A Championship football team. Charles also played American Legion baseball in the summers during high school.

In 1944, after graduating from high school, Charles was drafted into the United States Army and entered World War II. He was a rifleman in the 25th Infantry Division and fought in numerous battles in the Philippines. He received the Bronze Star for valor in the Battle of Belate Pass. Charles finished his military commitment by serving in the army of occupation of Japan until he was honorably discharged from the Army in September 1946.

Charles returned from World War II and attended Montana State College in Bozeman and Butte Business College in Butte, studying engineering and business.

In 1947, he met Ruth Clifford. Charles and Ruth were married on April 5, 1948, in Portland, Ore. From this union of marriage, Charles and Ruth had six children. They raised their children in Butte, Anaconda, Helena, Fort Benton and Billings while Charles worked in various accounting and hospital administration jobs. He had a lifelong interest in history, all of the arts, entertainment and was an amateur comedian.

Charles is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Ruth Eckberg of Newcastle; daughters, Marilyn Eckberg of Sarasota, Fla., Carol (Dennis) Swanson of Newcastle, Janet (John) Momper of Batavia, III., Darien (Michael Fox) Eckberg of Alameda, Calif., Laura Alexander of Las Vegas; and a son, Richard (Sharon) Eckberg of Billings. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Max Sternberg of Brooklyn, N.Y., Nola Stenberg of Missoula, Andrew (Cynthia) Charles Clavadetscher of Loveland, Colo., Robert Charles Eckberg of Bellingham, Wash., John Charles Momper of De Kalb, III., and Kathleen Momper of Batavia, III. Charles is also survived by three sisters, Alice Elliott of Billings, Esther (Vernon "Red") Gallagher of Kalispell and Helen Clark of Kalispell. He is also survived by 12 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, lack Elliott and Jim Clark.

Worden Funeral Directors of Newcastle are in charge of the cremation.

Express condolences at http://www.legacy.com/HelenaIR/.