Obituary of Carole Virginia Eckardt

Carole Virginia Eckardt peacefully passed July 11, 2023 at Shields Comfort Care in Saginaw, Michigan, while holding her youngest daughter’s hand. She previously lived at Swanhaven Manor for the past eight years. Carole was born February 9, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan, daughter of the late Floyd and Regina (Furmanek) Lundberg. When she was only 16, Carole married the love of her life, 19 year old Larry Eckardt. He preceded her in death 23 years ago. She and Larry met in Milford and once they began their family, Carole became more of a stay at home mom. Together the family moved to Fenton, a home they adored, before moving to Westland to be closer to Larry’s work. After Larry retired, they moved to Grayling where Carole resided for over 20 years. Through the years, Carole and Larry enjoyed entertaining guests at their home, creating many memories shared by all. After living in Grayling, she eventually moved to Port Huron to help take care of her daughter Cristin. While there, the two enjoyed walking along the beach picking up beach glass and sea shells.

Carole enjoyed a vast array of things throughout her life that it is nearly impossible to list them all. She loved golfing, going to the casino, floral arrangements, jewelry, crafting, baking, shopping, dancing, music, and even had a fascination with taxidermy. Along with the beach glass, Carole also collected rocks and was always on the lookout for Petoskey stones.

It is evident that Carole loved the outdoors. She enjoyed sitting by the bonfire, walking through the woods, hunting for morel mushrooms, canoeing on the Au Sable River, and watching the animals, especially the deer she fed in her backyard. One of her favorite pastimes was sitting outside in her pajamas listening to the birds chirp as she smoked a cigarette and drank her coffee.

Carole could strike up a conversation with anyone. She did not have much of a filter but she did have quite the sense of humor. Carole was fun and creative which led her to come up with some exciting ideas. In fact, she was working on a patent for one such invention. Although it did not come to fruition, her idea for footprints to prove the existence of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny to little children was sure to be a success.  

Although she grew to become an outgoing person, Carole eventually had some restrictions. As illness began to plague her life and she lost complete vision, she was not able to participate in many of the activities she once loved. This includes being involved with her cherished grandchildren’s numerous events. It is one regret she lived with even though her love for them was never ending. Carole will be truly missed and we hope that she is now enjoying herself in her dream log cabin in the woods.

Carole is survived by her oldest son, Larry Eckardt Jr.; youngest daughter, Autumn (Steve Fenech) Romain; three beautiful and beloved grandchildren, Avery, Sophia, and Jack; brother, Rob (Barb) Lundberg; sister-in-law, Renate Lundberg; niece, Britt (Fred) Julien; nephews, Dean (Michele) Lundberg and Erik Lundberg; special cousin, Candy Bojarczyk; and many other cousins and extended family members. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Cristin (Eckardt) Aquilina in November 2014 and brother, Bud Lundberg.

FUNERAL: Per Carole’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Since pizza was Carole’s favorite food, her family asks that you come celebrate her life Sunday, July 23, 2023 beginning at 5 p.m. at G’s Pizzeria, 3823 Bay Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Deacon Jeff Rauschert will officiate.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at G’s Pizzeria on Sunday from 4 p.m. until the time of service. Upon the conclusion of the service, a time of food and fellowship will be held until 7 p.m.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, because Carole had a great love for animals, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Amazing Grace Animal Rescue, 3365 Freeland Road, Saginaw, MI 48604.