Harry Eckrote

Harry Eckrote Jr., 93, of Decatur, IN, former longtime resident of Berne, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Adams Woodcrest. He was born in Linn Grove, IN, on December 27, 1931, to the late Harry Eckrote Sr. and Elma (Moser) Eckrote. Harry married Norma Jeane Heyne on September 5, 1953, and she preceded him in death on August 11, 1979. He then married Dorothy (Salway) Coyne on December 2, 1981, she also preceded him in death in 2015.

He was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. He was a 1949 graduate of Berne High School and served his country in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He also ran the Sunoco station in Celina, OH, and worked for Walt Mazelin Auto. He was then the owner and operator of Eckrote Body Shop in Decatur until retiring in 1994.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 468 in Berne and he was an avid Indiana Hoosiers and Colts fan.

Harry is survived by his 2 children, Dixie (LeRoy) Hook and Michael (Mary) Eckrote both of Decatur; a son-in-law, Randy Miller of Ottawa, OH; 4 step-daughters, Karen Kaehr of Ft. Wayne, IN, Kristy Haines of Berne, IN, Kathy Pearson of TX and Beth Lehman of Berne, IN; 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Harry was preceded in death by a daughter, Roxann Rae Miller and a sister, Constance Cavanaugh.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 also at the funeral home with visitation a half hour prior from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Father Jacob Runyon will be presiding and burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Military Rites will be rendered by the American Legion Adams Post 43 Color Guard.

Memorials may be made to A.C.C.F. Angel Alzheimer Fund.

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