Bob E. Eckhardt, 83, passed away Monday, February 1, 2016 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. Bob was born in Rochelle, IL to Edward and Ella (Schlie) Eckhardt. He married Jacqueline Beardsley on June 6, 1959 in Steward, IL. She preceded him in death on May 28, 2014. He is preceded in death by sisters Ruth Ellis, Ester Wetzel, Eleanor Kinn, and Phyllis Hoffman. Most knew Bob as their friendly neighborhood US Post Office mail carrier, where he worked for 38 years. After retirement, he enjoyed serving as the crossing guard at Tilton School. Bob was a member of the Rochelle Masonic Horicon Lodge #244 and served in the US Army during the Korean War.

Bob is survived by a son, Camden (Melissa) Eckhardt of Farmersville, IL, daughter, Meradith (Kyle) Peart of Highlands Ranch, CO; sisters, Betty Baker of Loves Park, IL, Bernice Richardson of Rochelle, and Bernita Freeman of Rockford; five grandchildren: Lindsey (Tim) Bejster, Jacob Eckhardt, Phoenix Eckhardt, Cooper Peart and step grandson, Derek Peart; and two great-grandchildren: Allison Bejster and Haven Eckhardt. Unger-Horner Funeral Home assisted the family with cremation rites. Bob had requested no services, but in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Serenity Hospice in Oregon.