Of Plainfield, passed away peacefully after a beautiful life on May 4, 2026.

Skip was born on October 7, 1944, in Neosha, Missouri, the son of the late Axel Carl and Dorothy (nee Carlson) Eckman. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Georgene Savich, on June 11, 1966. Together they raised three daughters. Skip's family meant the world to him.

Happiness to Skip was sharing his passions with family. This included whistling in the vegetable & flower gardens, traveling with family and friends to Saugatuck, Lake Geneva, Door County and Florida to explore the beaches to swim, visiting historic landmarks and the imagination of Disney. Skip enjoyed dining with family and friends at his favorite restaurants or his grilling steaks for Wednesday family dinners. He found incredible joy playing and laughing with the grandkids while enjoying his trains.

Skip proudly served in the U.S. Army in New Jersey from 1968 to 1970 before returning to Joliet to start his 44-year dental practice. Dr. Skip loved his job and considered his patients to be his friends.

Survived by his devoted wife of 59 years (& 11 months) Georgene Eckman (nee Savich). Their three loving daughters Geannine (Steven) Megazzini of Dandridge TN., Kristine (Kurt) Kietzer of Brillion WI. and Shari (Michael) Phelps of Plainfield IL. Eight cherished grandchildren Sarah Megazzini, Jack Phelps, Julia (Ryan) Nickel, Alison Phelps, Kaitlyn (Sawyer Ludwig – fiancé) Kietzer, Matthew (Olivia Stewart - fiance) Megazzini, Karalyn Kietzer and Kallie Kietzer. His sister Jane Skuta, sister-in-law Martha Harms and his nieces & nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Road, Tuesday, May 12th at 11:00 A.M. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Morton Arboretum or the Dementia Society of America will be appreciated. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 9:00 A.M. until services at 11:00 A.M.