Beatrice Louise Eckert

Beatrice "Bea" Louise Eckert, 88, of Winona, died surrounded by family on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at Sauer Health Care after a short battle with cancer.Bea was born in Mauston, WI on June 3, 1924 to Walter and Ruth (Lane) Bell. She was raised and attended school in La Crosse. When she was 15 years old, Bea was united in marriage to William Eckert. After living in Wisconsin for the early years of their marriage, they relocated to Winona and loved being social and visiting with friends at local pubs. After William died in 1994, Beatrice began volunteering with Winona Volunteer Services and was active with the VFW and Eagle's Auxiliaries. In her spare time, Bea enjoyed cross stitching, especially on pillowcases; and working on the newspaper crossword puzzles. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. Her quick wit and smart-aleck nature will be missed by many.Beatrice is survived by her children, Ruth Wilson of Winona, William Eckert, Jr. of Kenosha, WI, Gerald (Judy) Eckert of Kenosha, and Henry (Bonnie) Eckert of Red Wing; 18 grandchildren; sister, Anna Meadows in Oklahoma; brother, Walter Eckert of La Crosse; and many great and great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, William; and brothers, Donald and Charlie Eckert.Funeral service will be held at 3pm on Friday, November 2, 2012 at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service-Hansen Goodview Chapel with Deacon James Welch officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. At 1pm, the VFW Auxiliary 1287 and Eagles Auxiliary will offer a short service. Private family graveside service will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery.Please share a memory of Bea with her family and sign the guestbook online at www.hofffuneral.com.