"Gene" Eckstam, age 91, died April 9, 2010, in Bloomington, MN. Gene was born in Memphis, TN, and raised in Madison, WI. He was graduated with a B.A. from The University of Wisconsin in 1940, and an M.D. from there in 1943. He served in the US Navy actively 1942-46, and in the reserves until he was honorably discharged in 1954. He received a M.S. in Surgery from the University of Minnesota during his medical residency at The Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, 1946-50.
Gene served at The Monroe Clinic 1950-87 and the former St. Clare Hospital 1950-85 in General and Thoracic Surgery. Among other innovations, he introduced the use of a gastrocamera at the Clinic. He held numerous leadership posts at his workplace as well as other organizations, including the Boy Scouts. Upon his retirement, Gene studied computers. This helped him in his 10 year project to passionately and tirelessly document the tragic events of Exercise Tiger, a full-scale rehearsal for D-Day's invasion of Normandy, kept secret for 40 years after the event.
In 1999, Gene and Evelyn moved to a retirement community in Bloomington, MN, where she still resides. He was involved in the Computer Club and various social groups there. Funeral services were held on April 12th at the community.
Gene was married to Evelyn Urben of New Glarus, WI, on March 14, 1943. They had 4 children, Jeffrey, who died in infancy, Ronald (Cheryl) Eckstam of Eden Prairie, MN, Barbara (Steven) Burdette of Big Flats, NY, and Kathryn (Carl) Eckstam-Ames, of Livonia, MI. He is survived by Evelyn, the 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Monroe, WI.
Memorials may be sent in his name to Shriner's Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Gene served at The Monroe Clinic 1950-87 and the former St. Clare Hospital 1950-85 in General and Thoracic Surgery. Among other innovations, he introduced the use of a gastrocamera at the Clinic. He held numerous leadership posts at his workplace as well as other organizations, including the Boy Scouts. Upon his retirement, Gene studied computers. This helped him in his 10 year project to passionately and tirelessly document the tragic events of Exercise Tiger, a full-scale rehearsal for D-Day's invasion of Normandy, kept secret for 40 years after the event.
In 1999, Gene and Evelyn moved to a retirement community in Bloomington, MN, where she still resides. He was involved in the Computer Club and various social groups there. Funeral services were held on April 12th at the community.
Gene was married to Evelyn Urben of New Glarus, WI, on March 14, 1943. They had 4 children, Jeffrey, who died in infancy, Ronald (Cheryl) Eckstam of Eden Prairie, MN, Barbara (Steven) Burdette of Big Flats, NY, and Kathryn (Carl) Eckstam-Ames, of Livonia, MI. He is survived by Evelyn, the 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. He was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Monroe, WI.
Memorials may be sent in his name to Shriner's Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.