Rolland W. Eckman Jr.; loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach and fisherman passed away at home in Sycamore, IL on October 11, 2022 at the age of 74.

Born in Galesburg, Illinois on November 24, 1947. Rollie grew up on Timber Lane Farm, the family homestead in Knoxville, Illinois. He enjoyed many outdoor adventures with his family; camping, fishing, hunting, and swimming at Happy Hollow and Haw Creek.

After graduating from Knoxville High School, Rollie graduated from Western Illinois University and later obtained a Master of Arts from the University of Illinois. In 1969, he officially became "Mr. Eckman" when he began teaching Social Sciences at Wheaton North High School (Wheaton, IL). In addition to teaching; Rollie coached Track and Field, Football, and Cross-Country.  He was passionate in motivating his athletes and students to demonstrate their finest abilities, both on and off the field.

After retiring from teaching at Wheaton North, Rollie continued his teaching and coaching at Montini Catholic Catholic High School, (Lombard, Illinois) retiring again.

Married to Nancy Rezabeck in 1983, at the Naper Settlement in Naperville, Illinois. The newlyweds purchased a home near Elburn, Illinois to start their family.

Rollie loved traveling with family to the Pacific Northwest, visiting National Parks in both the United States and Canada. In addition, his passion for fishing led to many trips to Boois Fly-in Lodge on Trout Lake, Ontario.

Yearly, Nancy and Rollie rented a cabin called Birch Acres near Minocqua, Wisconsin. This inspired them to purchase their own lake home nearby. Many summers were enjoyed entertaining family and friends "Up North" and exploring all the region has to offer.

Preceded in death by his Mother; Geraldine (Rikli) Eckman and Father; Rolland W. Eckman Sr., and beloved aunts and uncles.

Rollie will be dearly missed by his wife Nancy L. (Rezabeck) Eckman and children:  Neil ( Amy ) Eckman and  Kenneth R. Eckman and grandchildren: Andrew and Angelene Eckman. Siblings: Pam (Kenneth) McElmeel, brother Tom (Barb)Eckman, brother Jim ( Deb ) Eckman, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and beloved scruffy canine couch warmer; Bethany.

A special thank you to Vitas Healthcare for their care, support, and guidance.  To sign the online guest book go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com