Joseph F. Eckerle, age 91 of Jasper

Joseph F. Eckerle, age 91 of Jasper, Indiana, passed away at 9:45 a.m. on Monday, July 9, 2018 at home.

Joe was born in Jasper, Indiana on January 12, 1927 to Robert and Elizabeth (Lechner) Eckerle.  He married Irene C. Kluemper on August 25, 1953 in St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran who served in Korea during the Korean Conflict, and was a member of the VFW Post #673, the American Legion Post #147, The Disabled American Veterans Chapter #77 and their Auxiliary.   

Joe retired from the Greater Jasper Consolidated School System, 5th Street School.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper, the Holy Name Society, Jasper Outdoor Recreation and the Jasper DeutscherVerein.

Mr. Eckerle was the Indiana State Commander of the Disabled American Veterans in 2006-2007. Mr. and Mrs. Eckerle were both State Commanders at the same time, which was a first for the state of Indiana.

He was active with the DAV Van Service, transporting veterans to hospitals and clinics. He served on the Color Guard for both the VFW and the American Legion for twenty one years.

Joe received the Francis Polen Award, the Distinguished Hoosier Award, and the Dubois County Living Veteran Award.  Mr. Eckerle and his wife Irene received the Brute' award and the German Heritage award.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandsons and playing cards.

Surviving are his wife, Irene C. Eckerle of Jasper, two daughters, Patricia Goepfrich (Thomas),  and Bonita "Bonnie" Gessner (Allan), one son, Charles "Chuck" Eckerle (Cheryl), all of Jasper, two grandsons, Robert and Isaac Eckerle, step grandchildren,  Jennifer Gessner Speicher and Luke Gessner, step great grandchildren, Allayna and Madalyn Speicher and Calvin Gessner, three brothers, Leo Eckerle, George Eckerle, and Donald Eckerle (Margaret), all of Jasper.

Preceding him in death were four brothers, Sylvester, Linus, Edwin and Roman Eckerle, and two sisters, Georgina Detroy and Genevieve Frick.  

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph F. Eckerle will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper, Indiana, with entombment to follow at Fairview Cemetery Mausoleum in Jasper.  The VFW Post #673 and the American Legion Post #147 will conduct military gravesite rites.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at the Becher-Kluesner Northside Chapel in Jasper.  The Disabled American Veterans Chapter #77 will conduct a memorial service at 6:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Dubois County Community Foundation - Joseph F. and Irene C. Eckerle Family Endowment, or a favorite charity.