William Arthur Ecker

William Arthur "Bill" Ecker, age 78, died Thursday at St. Clare's Hospital in Wausau. Bill was formerly of Antigo, most recently residing in Schofield with his daughter. He was born on October 12, 1934 in Antigo to the late William and Edna (Baker) Ecker. On December 29, 1957, Bill was united in marriage to the love of his life, Helen Godfrey. His most treasured times were those with Helen. Bill was employed by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad until 1982. Horses were a true passion that he enjoyed and from 1982 until 1997 he trained racehorses on the east coast. He also enjoyed hunting and spending time with his family. Bill was a graduate of Antigo High School. He served in the US Navy during the Korean War. Bill was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Antigo. Survivors include a daughter Julie Dvorak of Scholfield, 3 sons, William (Kim) of Suamico, Christopher (friend Brenda) of Antigo, Patrick (Michelle) of Wittenberg, 4 sisters, Edie Cornelius of Green Bay, Phyllis (Roy) Thorn of Wausau, Patricia (Bud) Baneck and Barbie Herrera both of Green Bay, 2 brothers, Andy (Carol) Ecker of Marshfield and John (Diane) Ecker of Antigo, a sister-in-law, Susan Russell of Cleveland, OH, a brother-in-law, Thomas (Chris) Godfrey of Wilmington, DE,11 grandchilden, Vernon (friend Rana) Dvorak of Leona, Ashley Ecker of Appleton and Ashley Meharg of Marshfield, Ryan Koprek of Green Bay, Ericka (Adam) Voigt of Merrill, Cody Patterson of Wittenberg, Courtney Patterson of Wittenberg, Stacy (Derrik) Bomberger, Jessica (John) Matthews , Danielle Ecker and Jolene Ecker all of PA, great grandchildren, Madison and Maycee Dvorak of Antigo, Lainey, Brayden, Evan, and Christian Voigt of Merrill, Urijah and Asher Matthews of PA, Caleb Olsen of Appleton, Bradon and Jackson Bomberger of PA. In addition to his wife and parents, Bill was preceded in death by a son Joseph and a brother Terry. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church in Antigo. Visitation will be Monday at the church from 10:00 AM until the service. Reverend David Karolus will officiate. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Veteran's Military Honors will be held at the graveside. Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is assisting the family.