Dorothy M. Eckardt, 103, passed away peacefully at home, on Friday, October 5, 2012.

Dorothy was born October 26, 1908 in St. Louis Missouri to Viola (Blumeier) and Joseph A. Meisel. She grew up in St. Louis with her two brothers, Larry and Joe. Dorothy attended Mary Institute followed by Washington University. She married her long time sweetheart, Paul Eckardt, on her 20th birthday, in 1928. They had two sons, Paul Jr, and Robert. Dorothy and Paul had many fun adventures together during their wonderful marriage, and they retired to Florida in 1966 to take up fishing full time.

During her long lifetime, Dorothy accomplished many things. She raised two sons that she was extremely proud of. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren, especially babysitting them whenever she could. She travelled abroad to Europe as well as the Pacific. She was very good at dancing “the Charleston” and was still able to demonstrate her skills as recently as last year. She loved fishing and went on many fishing excursions with her husband, Paul. In 1994, at her family’s urging, she decided to write her memoir, and publish it for her family. Dorothy loved to visit with family and friends, and she greeted everyone with a smile and a hug. She was a wonderful person that will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends.

Dorothy is survived by her youngest son, Robert (Shirley) Eckardt; eight grandchildren: Cathy Eckardt, Chip (Toni) Eckardt, Mary (Chris) Wagner, Janet Eckardt, Dorothy (Craig) Bryant, Susan Eckardt, John (Jenny) Eckardt, and Robert Eckardt Jr.; ten great grandchildren: Holly (Keefe) Bauschelt, Pamela (Craig) Ermatinger, Sarah Eckardt, Eric Bryant, Michael Bryant, EmmaLee Eckardt, Jacob Eckardt, Lucas Eckardt, T.J. Eckardt, and Alex Eckardt and many close friends including Pam, Eva, Larry, Judy, Gail, Lee, and Nancy.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her first husband Dr. Paul P. Eckardt, her second husband Jack Meador, and her eldest son Paul P. Eckardt Jr.

“The Lord has been good to me and I pray that I have brought love and happiness to my family also. God bless all of you and may your days of happiness be far more than your days of sorrow. All my love, Dottie” - from Dorothy’s memoir, 1994.

We will miss you Dottie!