"Jay and I are so saddened by the loss of Neil. The tribute to him over the last few days was amazing and truly showed what kind of caring, loving man he was. He will be missed. Hugs and prayers to Christine, Mitch, Leon, his sister and the rest of his family! Sandy & Jay "
In loving memory of
Neil James Eckhart
September 10, 1968 - October 29, 2021
Neil J. Eckhart, age 53, of Rochester, MN passed away on Friday, October 29, 2021 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN.
Neil James Eckhart was born September 10, 1968 in Austin, MN the son of Bonnie (Buck) and Leon Eckhart. He was baptized on September 10, 1968 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield, MN and confirmed on June 5, 1983 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. He was a 1986 graduate of John Marshall High School in Rochester, MN. Neil was married to Debra Spitzer for 24 years and in their union had a son, Mitchell. They later divorced. He married Christine (Grams) Gilk on July 11, 2020. Neil worked for over 26 years as a delivery driver for Sysco. He had a passion for racing including a 30 year career as a stock car race driver. He enjoyed hosting family and friends, his dog Finnegan, cheering on the MN Vikings, Sunday Fundays, traveling, and hunting along with being the self appointed mayor of Marion Township.
He is survived by his wife, Christine Eckhart of Rochester, MN; son, Mitchell Eckhart of Rochester, MN; stepchildren, Drew and Isabella Gilk of Rochester, MN; father, Leon Eckhart of Rochester, MN; sister, Patricia Eckhart of Rochester, MN; niece, Morgan Bushman (Angel Ramirez); great nephew, Oscar Ramirez; mother and father-in-law, Don and Judy Grams of Stewartville, MN; special friend and mentor Harland Morehart along with his extended family, racing family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Eckhart and Diane and Darrell Spitzer.
A visitation will be held 4:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, November 5, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN and one hour prior to the service. A memorial service will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Eckhart family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Click here to watch the livestream of Neil's service; the video will go live and become available a few minutes before the service begins: https://www.facebook.com/Ranfranzandvine/
Direct link to video: https://www.facebook.com/Ranfranzandvine/videos/1837214403153796/?__so__=channel_tab&__rv__=all_videos_card
Tributes
"Sending our love and prayers. -Tim & Carmen Kubista (Dan Swartz?s daughter)"
"Condolence for the family on the lost of a great person and great competitor and friend."
"I remember all the racing years! Fun times in Lyle & my lives! We love & will miss you Neil. RIP"
"Leon and family; So sorry to hear about Neal. He will be missed . Saturday nights won?t be the same with out the 7-E. Your in my thoughts. Jeff Berg"
"Condolences to the entire Eckhart family. Neil will be SO missed. RIP cousin. "
"Chris, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs around you."
"Sorry for your loss, Neil was a standup Guy and Racer, Prayers to His Family."
"So sorry for your loss. Neil was such a wonderful person. He will be missed by many. Sending love, Tammy & Sally"
"Condolences to the eckhart family!! Neil , I will always call you a great friend!! Rip buddy!! "
"Leon...John and I are so very sorry to hear about your son. Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers John and Judy Wittenberger "
"Chris I?m so sorry for your loss."
"Thinking of everyone. Neil was a great guy and will be truly missed."