Robert E Eckrote

Robert E. Eckrote, 99, of Bloomsburg went to be with the Lord Thursday June 3, 2021, while  at his residence surrounded by his family.  He was born June 13, 1921 in Morea, PA, a son of the late Lyman and Myrtle (Woodring) Eckrote.
He graduated from West Hazelton High School in 1936 and began working for RCA in Camden, NJ.  He enlisted in the US Army during WWll and served  as a medical stenographer while on tour of  duty in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. During his enlistment from October 1,1942 until January 1, 1946, Robert was awarded two Bronze Stars, and a Silver Star.
Upon his return home from military discharge, Robert began what became a career in education. He obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Secondary Education from Penn State and was hired as the Industrial Arts and Agriculture teacher for Central Columbia School where he was the founder of their  FFA chapter . Robert furthered his education at Penn State and Bucknell University, obtaining masters degrees in vocational Education and Administration. He was chosen to become the supervisor of agriculture educators in a 5 county area including Columbia County before accepting his position as the first superintendent of Columbia Montour Area Vocational Technical School. He had the honor of selecting and designing the vocational shops and hiring the first  staff. Robert retired as superintendent in 1978.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Marie, playing his harmonicas,  wood working in his home shop, playing pinochle with friends, farming, and fishing in Canada. Robert was a lifetime member of Mifflinville United Methodist Church and a former Kiwanis Member. He could strike up a conversation with anyone he met and made many friends through those impromptu conversations throughout his travels. 

Robert is survived by three daughters; Cynthia George husband Dennis of Bloomsburg, Karen Krum husband Gary of Catawissa, Rebecca Fedder husband Rodney of Bloomsburg, ten grandchildren; Jared George, Megan Zimmerman, Jonathan Krum, Cherise Krum, Benjamin Krum, Ryan Krum, Robert Fedder, Matthew Fedder, Joshua Fedder, Andrew Fedder, and 21 great-grandchildren,

Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, A. Marie (Schlauch)  Eckrote, his parents, and his siblings Thomas Eckrote, Dorothy Cheslock, and Marguerite Heller. 

Services will be Friday June 11, 2021 at 11:00 am at Shiloh Bible Church, 123 Church St., Bloomsburg with Dr. Douglas Lyon officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 10:00 am until time of service at the church.

Family and friends may send online condolences to bunnellfuneralhome.com. The Rodger T. Bunnell Funeral Home, 435 Market St., Bloomsburg, PA, is handling arrangements. 

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