Ralph J. Eckert

Ralph J. Eckert of Slinger, Wisconsin passed away on April 3, 2024 at the age of 95.

Ralph was born on March 12, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late John and Vlasta (nee Stauber) Eckert. He was united in marriage to Greta Allen in East Chicago, Indiana on July 11, 1953.

Ralph was raised in Milwaukee and graduated from Rufus King High School in 1947. In 1951, he received his Mathematics and Actuarial Science degree from the University of Wisconsin.  He served two years as an artillery sergeant in the US Army in Korea and proudly took his Honor Flight with son, Ed, in April 2016.

He was employed at Trustmark Life Insurance Company in Lake Forest, Illinois from 1954 to 1991, serving as President and CEO from 1971 to 1991 and Chairman from 1972 to 1997. Ralph was actively involved and held leadership positions in many actuarial and life insurance organizations. He was also a member of the Masons and an Eagle Scout.

Ralph was always actively involved in his local church, most recently St. Luke Lutheran Church in Slinger and served as the ELCA Board of Pensions Director and Chairman from 1991 – 1997.

Ralph was a long-time member of the Cedar Lake Yacht Club where he raced C Scows with his brother, Jack, for 30 years.

Some of Ralph's accomplishments are as follows: Graduated from Rufus King High School; Graduated from the University of Wisconsin June 1951, BA and BS in Mathematics and Actuarial Science; Acacia Fraternity; Institution for Management, Northwestern University, 1969; U. S. Army, Artillery Sargent, Korea 1952-1953; Employed at Trustmark Life Insurance Company (formerly Benefit Trust Life) 1954-1991, President and CEO from 1971-1991, Chairman from 1972-1997; Fellow of the Society of Actuaries 1961; Member of American Academy of Actuaries; Health Insurance Association of America, Director 1980-1986, Chairman 1984-1985; American Council of Life Insurance, Director 1987-1990; Illinois Life Insurance Council, Director and Chairman; Illinois Life Insurance Guaranty Association Director and Chairman; Chicago Actuarial Club, President 1963; Wilmette Lutheran Church Trustee and Chairman 1962-1991; Lord of the Mountain Lutheran Church Endowment Fund Chairman 1991-2010; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Board of Pensions Director and Chairman 1991-1997; Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout, Cub Master and Scout Master; New Trier High School Hockey Club, Treasurer and Trustee; Augustana Home, Chicago for the Severly Handicapped, Director; West Bend Country Club; Cedar Lake Yacht Club; Chicago Yacht Club; Inland Lakes Yachting Association; Mason, West Bend Lodge; and DeMolay Master Councilor.

Those Ralph leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 70 years, Greta; five children, Maura (Jeff) Benseler, Peter (Donna) Eckert, Thomas (Winn) Eckert, Karen (David) Schmidt and Edward (Barbara) Eckert; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a brother, Jack (Sue) Eckert; two sisters-in-law, Karla Spinks and Shirley Eckert; and countless nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by a brother, Gordon Eckert; two sisters-in-law, Corinne Spinks and Nancy Eckert; a brother-in-law, Robert Spinks; a granddaughter, Linda Eckert; and a great-granddaughter, Gretchen Schmidt.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 15, 2024, at 12:00 pm at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 4860 Arthur Road, in Slinger, with Pastor Joshua Gyson officiating.  A visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  A light luncheon will be served following the service.

Memorials in Ralph’s name can be directed to any of the following organizations that had a special place in his heart:  the Cedar Lake Yacht, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Trustmark’s Ralph J. Eckert Scholarship Fund or the Slinger Community Food Pantry.

Additional information and guestbook may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.

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