Merlin David Ecker

Merlin David “Butter” Ecker, age 73, of Quinney died on Monday, November 8, 2021 at Willowdale Health Services in New Holstein. He was born August 2, 1948 in Fond du Lac to Marvin and Martha (Pethan) Ecker. He married Mary Ellen Krebsbach on November 14, 1970 in Stockbridge. 

Butter proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970 and was a member of the VFW and the Stockbridge American Legion Post 128 where he served as commander. He was also a member of the Quinney and Jolly Fishing Clubs. 

Butter was a born salesman, always looking for a way to make a buck. He held many sales jobs throughout the years ending at Garrow Oil. Even before retirement, he found side jobs to keep himself busy, whether it was selling propane, mulch, Christmas trees or processed wood. He was also a favorite at summer parties where he roasted many pigs to perfection in his homemade roaster.

When he wasn’t out making a sale, Butter was socializing. He lived for sturgeon spearing, Friday night dirt track racing, and was often found sitting in his shed, watching NASCAR and football, shaking dice or hosting haircut nights. For many years he participated in a weekly bowling league and also enjoyed mini bowling at the local establishments. Later in his life, he did his daily ‘neighborhood watch’ on his John Deere gator, and was never caught without suckers for the kids. 

Survivors include his wife: MaryEllen, children: Matthew (Kayla) Ecker, Mark (Diane) Ecker, Maurice “MoJo” Ecker (Special Friend Mecho); grandchildren: Megan, Maxwell and Eddy; his siblings: Melvin (Mary) Ecker, Mike (Jodie) Ecker, Marlene Grenzer, Marvin Jr. (Patty) Ecker, Mary Kay (Gary) Bancroft; his sibilings-in-law: Diane (Paul) Eichmeier, Thomas (Connie) Krebsbach, and Ellen Krebsbach; and his God Children: Michelle Bowe, Daniel Adkins, Christopher Ecker, Jeremy Grenzer and Ricci Ecker. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws: Erwin & Lucina Krebsbach; and his brother-in-laws: Charles Grenzer, Steven Krebsbach and Joseph Krebsbach. 

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at St. Mary’s of the Seven Dolors in Stockbridge, with Rev. Michael Betley officiating; burial will follow with Military Honors at the Parish Cemetery.   Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, November 15, 2021. An additional visitation will take place at St Mary Catholic Church in Stockbridge from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.  Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery.  A vigil service will take place at the close of the visitation Monday, November 15, 2021 at the funeral home.  

Butter’s family would like to thank all of the staff at Willowdale Health Services and Calumet County Hospice for caring for him.