Durk Eckenrode

Durk Eckenrode passed away on July 17, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. Durk was born on August 11, 1955 to James and Elodie (Verstrate) Eckenrode. He lived in the Toledo area for over 30 years graduating from Cardinal Stritch High School in 1973 and Owens Technical college in 1980 with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. In 1981, Durk married Wendy(Grau) Eckenrode, relocated to Bowling Green, OH where they were blessed with lasting friendships and forever memories. He worked as an electrician through IBEW Local 8 in Toledo until Durk and his family relocated to Fairlawn, OH in 1989. He has since worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber and Community Electric. For the past 21 years and until his passing, Durk worked as an estimator for Thompson Electric. Throughout his illness, those he worked for and with at Thompson, were extremely supportive. We are forever grateful for their kindness, compassion and generosity.

Durk was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He lived his life in service to God. He never turned down an opportunity to help others. He was a dedicated servant at Discover Church for twenty years- always willing to share his time, talents, and gifts.

Traveling to North and South Carolina to spend time with his children and grandchildren was so special to him. He was very proud of his children and all they have accomplished. Durk always chose to put his family’s needs before his own. He lived a simple life and was generous and content with all that he had. He was a huge sports fan. OSU football was his favorite but he was always ready for a trip to Cleveland to watch an Indians or Browns game. He also enjoyed golfing, fantasy football, working in the yard, reading and vacationing with family and friends.

Durk was preceded in death by his father and his sister, Vanessa Roach. He leaves to treasure his memory his mother, Elodie (of Toledo); his wife of nearly 40 years, Wendy; his daughter, Kara (Jason) Blackwell; and granddaughters, Myah and Kimber all of Greer, SC; son, Kevin (Alice) of Charlotte, NC.; brothers, Timothy (Chris), Mark (Debbie), Matthew, Mike (Denise); sister, Lisa Tidwell and brother-in-law Michael Grau. Also surviving are father and mother in-law, Richard and Evelyn Grau; sister-in-law, Jennifer (David) Simkanin and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and many wonderful friends. We will all miss you, Durk, for so many reasons!

Family will receive visitors on Monday evening from 4 to 7PM at Discover Church, 1825 Reimer Rd., Wadsworth OH 44281. A memorial service to celebrate Durk’s life will be held 11 AM on Tuesday also at Discover Church. The family will receive friends one hours prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Discover Church (See above) or South Carolina Fallen Officer fund established in 2012 by Durk’s daughter, Kara. Donations to this fund can be mailed to: Greer Police Department, 102 South Main St., Greer, SC 29650

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