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Tina M. Eckerman
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Tina M. Eckerman

BELMONT - Tina M. Eckerman, age 41 of Belmont, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at University Hospital in Madison after a courageous battle of 17 years with Huntington Chorea. She was born May 10, 1967 in Freeport, the daughter of Roger and Beverly (Schultz) Eckerman. Tina graduated Salutatorian of Black Hawk High School in 1985, where she was very active in several school activities. She attended three years of college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then three years at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Tina enjoyed reading, travel, and social outings, especially at Red's Supper Club. She was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and enjoyed Wisconsin Badger sports. Her highlight was a trip to the Dallas Cowboy training camp. Tina had a great sense of humor. She was also a member of St. Philomena Catholic Church in Belmont.

Tina is survived by her mother and stepfather, Beverly (Bruce) Van Matre of Belmont; step-sisters, Allison (Jeff) Yapp of Verona and Michelle (Rob) Keis of Stoughton; her step-brothers, Brad (Jill) Van Matre of O'Fallon, Missouri, Randy (Sheila) Van Matre of Owensboro, Kentucky, and Vaughn (Kristen) Van Matre of Overland Park, Kansas; a special brother, Bill (Deb) Kennicott of Fox River Grove, Illinois; her special friends, Tina Ritschard and Dana Montgomery; and nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends.

Tina is preceded in death by her brother, John Eckerman; her paternal father, Roger Eckerman; and her grandparents, Melvin and Betty Schultz and Clarence and Dorothy Eckerman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gratiot. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2009 at the GORGEN FUNERAL HOME, 310 Ridge St., in Mineral Point, and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church in Gratiot. In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship is being formed in Tina's name.

Special thanks to Generations in Care and past caregivers who have helped Tina throughout the years, especially Amber Louah.