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Donald James Eckloff April 5, 1930-July 23, 2026
CALUMET -- Donald passed away at Gardenview, Calumet with his niece by his side. He was 96. Don was born in the family home in Copper City, one of 11 children born to John and Evelyn Eckloff. He attended Copper City School, Calumet H.S. and Michigan Tech. He
worked for a short time in Detroit auto manufacturing before being drafted into the Korean War. Don served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Cocopa, an ocean tug, crossing from San Diego to Korea. He was permanently stationed in San Diego where he enjoyed the warm weather and decided to stay. For the next 72 years he made the annual trip back to his childhood home each summer.
Don retired from Caterpillar/Navstar/Solar Turbines building missiles for defense and other aerospace components. He was an avid country music fan and an exceptional guitar player. Like his father and brothers, he was extremely capable and accomplished
such a variety of things in his life.
Don was preceded in death by his partner Etta Swanson, wife Julia, parents John and Evelyn Eckloff, brothers Robert and Clarence, sisters Mary Lou Mattila, Jean (Pat) Sagar, Delores Bishop and Barbara Kaifesh, and nephews Steve Bishop and Mike Sagar.
He is survived by his very special friend Elaine Alatalo, his siblings, William Eckloff (Jean) of Ontonagon, Dorothy Cass of Keene, New Hampshire, Joyce Laumann of Sheboygan, WI, and Carol Holbrook also of Sheboygan, and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends their thanks to Gardenview for the exceptional care provided by the Memory Care team and to Aspirus Hospice for their care and support. A funeral service for Don will be held at noon on Thursday July 30, 2026 at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM- 12:00 on Thursday July 30, 2026 at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Lake View Cemetery section 75. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Judes Childrens Hospital, Paralyzed
Veterans of America or a charity of your choice.