Obituary of Robert Clayton Eckenrode

Robert C. Eckenrode (74) resident of St. Maries, ID died October 24, 2015 at Hospice House of North Idaho in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. He was born September 26, 1941 to Earl and Charlotte (Arndt) Eckenrode at Mandan, ND. Bob lived in North Dakota until he was 9 years old. He then moved with his family to Sebeka, MN. As a young man, Bob traveled throughout the U.S. working odd jobs and seasonal jobs. He would return to Sebaka to the family farm to work when he wasn’t working the seasonal jobs. Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1964 and served in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1966 and returned to Minnesota where he farmed with his father. He moved to California in the late 1960’s and worked in the oil fields at Signal Hill, CA. On May 14, 1983, he married Linda Reynolds at Long Beach, CA where they made their home. He started working there as a plumber in 1989 and started Bob’s Plumbing and Drain Cleaning in 1990. Bob moved to St. Maries in 2011. Bob continued to do drain work while living in St. Maries. He worked part time doing drain cleaning and plumbing repair. Bob enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing and wood working. Bob is survived by his wife Linda at the family home. His brother and sister-in-law Richard “Bruce” and Bernice Eckenrode of Sebeka, MN and his sister Norma Jean Neilson of Sebeka, MN and sister and brother-in-law Peggy and Leroy Everson of Lake Havasu City, AZ. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters Patricia Joshinsky and Sharon Patananod. A celebration of his life will be Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. At St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Pastor Greg Worch officiating. A gathering of family and friends will follow services at the church. Visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com