Mick Eckermann, 80, passed away on April 27, 2024, at his family home in Caldwell.
Mickey Lee Eckermann was born September 2, 1943, to Fred & Twila (Rohrer) Eckermann. Mick was the oldest of two children, as sister Marilyn joined their family in 1945. Mick spent most of his childhood in Perth, Kansas, where he attended grade school. He then attended Caldwell High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1961. Shortly after high school, Mick took a job at Western Power.
On October 30, 1964, Mick married the love of his life, Connie Scribner. Mick continued to work for Western Power and together, they moved to Harper. The couple was blessed with three boys: Rohn Duane (1966), Kent Michael (1968), and Craig John (1972) In 1968, the couple moved back to Caldwell, where Mick then purchased the Phillips 66 Station.
Mick would eventually take over Scrib’s Fertilizer, where he spent many years working closely with his sons. After his career at Scrib’s, Mick began working for W.B. Johnston Grain as an elevator manager. Mick was proud to hire several of his grandchildren for summer wheat harvest help, along with many other local high school kids. He would later retire in 2008. After his retirement, Mick took a part-time job, driving CHS students to and from Ark City for college courses at Cowley College. Many of the kids often referred to him as “grandad.”
Mick spent his free time doing numerous things. He had a passion for hot rods and antique cars. Mick was a founding member of the Border Bandits, where he played the bass guitar. His love for music was known to everyone around. Coaching baseball for his boys growing up was always a priority. Mick would frequently be found in the evenings and weekends sharpening up his golf game at the Caldwell Golf Course.
Mick spent most of his adult life playing men’s fast-pitch softball. He was a pitcher and shortstop for numerous teams. As he got older, he formed a new team, The First Timers, which consisted of a bunch of young baseball all-stars who soon took over the fast-pitch scene. Mick would eventually end his fast-pitch career in an exhibition game at Corbin, Kansas, as a “Last Timer” in the summer of 2019. Before Mick’s health took a turn, he also enjoyed playing pitch and poker with the local men uptown. Mick had the absolute best sense of humor and will always be remembered for his hilarious and inappropriate jokes.
Mick’s pride and joy were his grandchildren and, most recently, great-grandchildren. Over the years, Connie had the honor of watching several of the great-grandkids in their home. Mick formed strong relationships and was always sharing his ornery “wisdom” with the kids.
Mick is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Twila, father-in-law, Duane Scriber, father-in-law, Dean Shellhammer, and nephew, Chad Schwertfeger.
Mick is survived by his wife, Connie, of the home. Sister Marilyn Luder (Jack) of Houston, Texas. Sons Rohn (Sheri), Kent (Denise), and Craig (Jenny) all of Caldwell. Mother-in-law, Lois Shellhammer, mother-in-law, Mona Scribner, sister-in-law Vonya Schwertfeger (Bill), nephew Doug Luder (Shaunna), nieces Chrisy Moody (Michael) and Tracey Overall (Chris). Nine grandchildren, Calvin Collazo (Taylor), Amanda Eckermann, Samantha Schmidt, Chris Eckermann, Victoria Schmidt, Erma Ratliff (Jeffrey), Ashton Spore (Ethan), Mason Eckermann (Kaylee), Weston Eckermann (Alex), Shelby Schmidt, and many great-grandchildren.
Memorial graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Caldwell City Cemetery with Mr. Al Melichar speaking. Following services, a reception will be held at the Caldwell Golf Course.
Memorials may be made to the Caldwell Golf Course and sent in care of the mortuary.
