Roland Eugene "Rollie" Eckhart

Roland Eugene "Rollie" Eckhart of Marshall, MI

Roland passed away suddenly on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI with his wife, Bonnie, at his side.

Roland was born on January 31, 1934 to John and Helen (Russell) Eckhart in Battle Creek, MI and he graduated from W.K. Kellogg High School in 1952.

After graduation, Roland farmed for many years. Later he was employed by Michigan Paper Board, where he met the love of his life, Bonnie E. (Gary) Eckhart of Marshall. They were married on May 16, 1980 in Marshall. He retired from Michigan Paper Board in 1995. He was also employed by Crystal Flash and Binder Park Golf Course.

Roland enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and golfing. He was a member of the Eagles of Battle Creek and the Moose Lodge of Marshall and South Haven. In South Haven, he was also a member of the River Bend Boat Club.

Surviving are his wife, Bonnie and four children, Cindy Eckhart of Florida, Sherry (Louis) Lee of Battle Creek, Bret (Ginger) Eckhart and Roland J. (Diann) Eckhart, both of Delton; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Roland was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Bart Eckhart.

There will be no funeral service. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, September 7th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Battle Creek Eagles Aerie # 299, 19757 Capital Avenue, NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, 2500 Watkins Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek is assisting Roland's family.