Clare Dewaine "Stretch" Ecklund

December 14, 1929 – July 3, 2008

Clare Dewaine "Stretch" Ecklund lost his long battle with lung cancer Thursday, July 3, 2008. Stretch, as he was known to everyone, was born December 14, 1929 to William and Clarinda Ecklund in Sublette, Illinois. When he graduated from high school, he joined the National Guard. With the outbreak of the Korean War, he served for two years with the Air Force in Alaska. Following his time in the service, he had several jobs and then began his 31 years of employment with GTE. He retired in 1989 and moved to Hot Springs. Stretch worked for 3 years at Sears in the hardware department before beginning his full retirement years. Stretch made the most of his retirement years by volunteering his time. He was an instructor/coach for SeniorNet. He volunteered at St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center. He drove one of their courtesy carts and thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking to all visitors and employees. He was an Eucharistic Minister at The Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist until his illness forced him to stop. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Stretch was predeceased by his parents; one sister, Edith McCollum of Mendota, Illinois; his first wife, Irene Bodenhamer and two sons, Mark and Gary. He is survived by his wife, Carol Schuler Stanley of Hot Springs; two daughters and sons-in-law, Patte and Tom Smith of Wonder Lake, Illinois, Peggy and Mark Johnson of Crystal Lake, Illinois; two step-sons and daughters-in-law, Timothy and Diana Stanley of Cary, Illinois and Michael and Rebecca Stanley of Union, Illinois; two step-daughters and sons-in-law, Debbi and Daryl Spencer of San Antonio, Texas and Kathi and John Kottke of Poplar Grove, Illinois; one sister and brother-in-law, Roberta and Joseph Karbowski of Waupaca, Wisconsin; one brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Marion Ecklund of Goreville, Illinois; one brother-in-law, William Schuler of Hot Springs; seventeen grand and step-grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was a kind and gentle man who loved life and loved to laugh. He will we greatly missed. A very special thank you to his many caregivers over the years. In particular to Dr. P. K. Reddy and his wonderful staff, Drs. William Cole, Robert Johnson, Robert Aspell and Richard Dunn. Thank you also to Arkansas Hospice and its' truly wonderful and caring staff, with a special thanks to Beth Irwin.