Marzella Ecker's Obituary
Marzella Ecker, Eulogy
Marzella Ecker was a wonderful person who entered eternal life on Sunday October 23, 2016. Her spirit is carried on by her husband Paul, her three children Robert, Dan (Bonnie), and Jeri (Jim) Matteson, two grandchildren Nicole and Josh Matteson, and an extended family of nieces and nephews; along with friends from every walk in life. Everyone was blessed to have had her in their lives and all the contributions she made--from volunteering in the school system to quilt sewing at Christ Lutheran Church just to name a couple.
Marzie's life started in Dilworth, Minnesota, born Aug 17, 1925, to Robert & Winfred Tarum. Her brother Maynard was born in 1930 and sister Betty 1935, both who preceded her into eternal life. Marzie was schooled in the Wadena area of Minnesota, from primary into business school. She moved in 1947 to Hopkins, Minnesota, and worked for Minneapolis Moline, a farm equipment company, as a stenographer. Marzie loved dancing and, while enjoying that, met Paul Ecker. They were married May 27, 1950. It took 2 years, but they built their first house in Richfield, Minnesota, with the help of family and friends. While living there they took numerous road trips across the country, to New England and Washington DC. Out west to Colorado, and Washington state where they decided to move to.
During a few years the family spent Christmas vacation down in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Summertime Marzie, Paul, and the kids spent wonderful times at Clara Nelson’s cabin, Paul's sister, enjoying fishing and socializing with additional relatives and friends. Camping trips started with a car-top tent sewed by their good friend’s the Taylor's of whom they also camped with into the chilly Minnesota fall season up north. The family graduated to a ground tent and eventually to a tent trailer traveling to campgrounds in the MN area. During the school years of the kids, Marzie supported the kids’ activities from sports to music. She and Paul also took up jogging with the neighbors, even during the cold winters.
In Sept 1969, the family sold the house and journeyed to their present family home here in Lakewood (Washington). As friends grew, their interest in card playing and dancing increased. Marzie volunteered at Dower Elementary School during the 1970’s while her children were still young. She brought to Dower the idea of a single large fundraiser event that had been successfully used in Minnesota, called “Carnival,” an evening of activities that was adopted for several years. Marzie was the educational force in the family and always knew how to assist her kids with their homework, regardless of the subject matter.
Involvement with Christ Lutheran Church, Marzie was part of a bible circle, and group that sewed quilts that were sent to relief agencies around the world. She sewed samples of Scandinavian wall hangings for display in a neighbor’s import gift shop. After Paul retired, they became Arizona snowbirds for more than 16 years where they formed a bond with additional lifelong friends. From there they would sight see in nearby California, Nevada, and New Mexico, from Carlsbad caverns to the Grand Canyon. Spring brought them back to the Pacific Northwest where would travel to the coast in their camper van to their favorite location of Kalaloch in the Olympic National Park, then to Mt. Rainier National Park. Longer trips took them back to Minnesota to visit family and friends.
For vacation in 1979, they flew with close friends, the Crosby’s, to Hawaii. A pleasant surprise at the airport was running into their former Pastor Nessie of Christ Lutheran Church who was flying home with his family.
Paul and Marzie celebrated their 50th golden wedding anniversary in 2000. Travels and activities diminished when she was diagnosed with dementia in 2006. She had been under the care of Cascade Park Gardens from October 2010 and the family gratefully thanks the staff for all their assistance. Paul and Marzie enjoyed their union together, lasting 66 years.
After a union of 66 years with Paul, a celebration of Marzella Ecker’s life will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home on November 12, 2016, at 2:00pm. This will be at the “Celebration of Life” building in the Aspen room. Donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 8211 112th st SW, Lakewood, Washington, 98498.
What’s your fondest memory of Marzella?
What’s a lesson you learned from Marzella?
Share a story where Marzella's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Marzella you’ll never forget.
How did Marzella make you smile?
