Harriett Eckelmann

Harriett J. Eckelmann, 82, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Jan. 21, 2005, at the Lutheran Home.

She was born Aug. 6, 1922, at Mattoon, Ill., daughter of Harry E. and Essie M. Mertz Reed. She and Melvin "Bob" Ecklemann were married March 8, 1945, at St. Louis. He died Jan. 28, 1973.

Eckelmann was a graduate of Mattoon High School. She was a member of the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau. Eckelmann, a former Sunday school teacher, was a youth group sponsor and participant in Covenant Prayer Group. She helped with Meals on Wheels. Ecklemann was employed as a secretary for American Greetings Co. She and her husband were the former owners of Mississippi Valley Printing Co.

Survivors include two sons, Robert E. Eckelmann of Cape Girardeau, Bill R. Eckelmann and wife Shireen of Jackson; two daughters, Susan Wessell and husband Doug of Jackson, Jane A. Martin and husband Sam of El Paso, Ill.; two sisters, Jane Conklin of Davenport, Iowa, Georgia Ball of Mattoon; seven grandchildren, Shelly Kaiser, Travis Eckelmann, Amy Harvey, Sammy Martin, Trevor Martin, Emily Wessell, Katie Wessell; four great-grandchildren, Alexis Bogenpohl, Madilyn Kaiser, Haley Eckelmann and Austin Harvey.

She was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.

There will be no visitation.

Graveside rites will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, with the Rev. Ernest L. Jordan officiating, at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Evangelical United Church of Christ.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.