Arnold Eckert, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of Arnold Eckert
THE ARNOLD ECKERT FAMILY
Arnold Eckert and Bernice Wilson, natives of Wanatah, Ind., were married and moved to Valparaiso in June 1928. Mrs. Eckert, an elementary school teacher, was a niece of Misses Emma and Lois Pinney, who were then long time residents of Valparaiso. Their home is still standing, one of the older (built in 1875) historical homes, at 208 East Chicago Street, now, the well kept home of the Swygerts.
Arnold was employed as a meat cutter in the Grocery and Market of the Lowenstine Store. He later became manager of the Meat Department of Windles' Grocery and Market on East Lincolnway. In January 1935, he opened his own place of business, Eckerts' Grocery and Market at 119 East Lincolnway. Here he was assisted by LeRoy Chumley and later by his sons.
After having lived in rented homes, the Eckerts, in 1937, built their own home at 207 Napoleon St., where the parents still reside.
Their sons, Ronald, Richard and James attended Gardner Elementary School, Franklin Junior High and were graduates of Valpo High. They were all active participants in the vocal and instrumental music program of the school as well as in athletics.
As a result of the Christian influence of the Miss Pinneys and other faithful members of the First Baptist Church, the Eckerts, early in their life in Valparaiso became members of this Church. Their sons, each assumed leadership with their parents, in the Music and Christian Education program of the Church. The parents are still faithful, active members engaged in the work of the Church, now located at 2205 North Campbell.
Their sons, Ronald, Richard and James, each attended Bible Institute, College and Seminary and became ordained Baptist Ministers. They are now married and with their families, serving in the following localities:
Ronald -- "Co-Pastor and Minister of Music", Central Baptist Church, St. Paul, Minn.
He and his wife (former Carol Martinson) are parents of five sons.
Richard -- "Minister of Music and Pastoral Care", North Shore Baptist Church, Chicago, Ill.
He and his wife (former Frieda O'Barr -- also a native of Valparaiso) are the parents of 1 son and 1 daughter. They reside at Skokie, Illinois.
James -- "Co-Pastor and Minister of Music", The First Baptist Church, Columbus, Indiana. He and his wife (former Jeanne Balzer) are parents of two sons.
They all have many happy memories of days growing up in Valparaiso and enjoy return visits.
Source: American Revolution Bicentennial Committee of Porter County. 1976. A Biographical History of Porter County, Indiana. Valparaiso, Indiana: American Revolution Bicentennial Committee of Porter County, Inc. 180 p.
Page(s) in Source: 102
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook