Albert William Eckert, 82, was born March 13, 1928 and passed away Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010. Albert was born in Woodstock, Illinois to Herbert and Bertha Eckert. Albert graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering.

In 1946 he met the love of his life, Wilma Wingler and they were married in July of 1949. They had two children, Darla and Stephen. He then moved his family to California where he worked for FMC as a defense engineer for more than 30 years. He was proud of the work he did and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Albert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilma of 53 years; also preceded in death was his sister Eleanor Gerloff. He is survived by his loving family, daughter Darla Buckley of Manteca; son Stephen Eckert of Santa Maria; and their spouses Robert Buckley and Cayde Eckert. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Karyn Sveum and her spouse Jerry, and Cheryl Bunker of Manteca, Sarah and Deborah Eckert of Santa Maria. To his great joy, also his great-grandchildren, Lauren Sveum and Jacob Sveum of Manteca; sister, Edna Steadman of Woodstock, Illinois.

Albert was a loving father and grandfather that enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and was a devoted lifelong member of the Lutheran Church.

Services will be held on Monday, Dec. 13, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Tracy with internment following the service at Park View Cemetery in French Camp. Arrangements handled by Park View Funeral Home.