Theda Alice (Larson) Eckstein, age 81, of Larsen, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, August 6, 2016.
She was born on November 23, 1934, to Leonard and Viola Larson. During her childhood, Theda grew up to the sounds of airplanes and aviators on the family farm. She was instrumental in having the Larson Brothers Airport placed on the National Register of Historical Places as the oldest airport in Wisconsin and having a historical marker erected.
Theda graduated from Winneconne High School in 1952; then attended UW-Oshkosh graduating with a teaching degree. She taught for several years at the Larsen School. It was a one room school house.
On September 11, 1954, Theda married Abraham J. Eckstein. They settled in the Town of Winchester where they raised their family on The Farm. Because of her strong Christian values and faith she taught Sunday school sharing the love of God.
She was hardworking and always put others first. The hired hands always looked forward to her home cooked meals.
Theda loved books and was always reading. She shared her love of reading with her children and grandchildren. Theda enjoyed watching birds and researching genealogy, especially her Norwegian heritage.
One of the highlights of her life was her trip to Japan with her three sisters in 1983. She was a member of the Winchester Historical Society.
In 2004 Theda and Abe were honored at the State Fair for the sesquicentennial of the Larson farm.
Theda is survived by her husband of 61 years, Abraham Eckstein; children, Alice Joas (Skip), Fay Eckstein, Ted Eckstein (Wendy), Tom (Sandy) Eckstein, Clint (Robin) Eckstein, Dan "Digger" (Jena) Eckstein; twenty-one grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two sisters, Judy Chance, Gail (Lawrence) Blanton; brother-in-law, Tom (Linda) Hathhorn; cousin, Barbara (Warren) Eckstein; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Along with her parents, Theda was preceded in death by a son, Ben Eckstein; a granddaughter, Ashley Peterson; a grandson, Justin Eckstein; a sister, Bonnie Hathhorn; and a son-in-law, Doug Joas.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, August 11, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne, where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, August 13 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, E9016 Marsh Rd. Fremont. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at the church with Pastor Doug Reinders officiating. Inurnment will be in the Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Winchester.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.
Thank you to all the family members and Wendy for the loving care you gave Mom over the past years.
We are thankful to God for giving us such a wonderful mother and grandmother. We love you!
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.