Jerry Joe Eckrote Sr.
August 1, 1951-October 30, 2025
Jerry Joe Eckrote Sr., 74, passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2025.
Jerry was born in New Castle on August 1, 1951 to Joe and Helen Eckrote of New Castle. He married Darlene Smith on June 30, 1971 and she survives.
Jerry graduated from Highland High School in 1969. He was a life-long farmer beginning in 1967 and milked and raised Brown Swiss cows for over 50 years and later retired to farm near Akron. He also operated a custom hay and straw business. He enjoyed driving the Amish and took them on many trips, as well as driving their children to and from school each day. He was a Fulton County 4-H leader for the Burton Hot Shots 4-H Club and a 4-H Council Member. One of his accomplishments was starting the dairy judging teams for Fulton County.
His greatest accomplishment was his family. Surviving family includes his wife Darlene of Akron; his children, Jerry Jr. (Amy), and Jeffrey (Michele). Surviving grandchildren are, Emma (Daniel Musselman) Eckrote, Lane (Jackie) Eckrote, Lucretia (Marissa) Eckrote, Benson Eckrote, Jeffrey Jr. (Alexandria) Eckrote, Sarah (Noah) Martin, and Anna (Lincoln) Wildermuth. Jerry is also survived by one sister, Sandra Sidwell of Pendleton and one brother Jerald (Kris) Eckrote of Pendleton and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best buddy and favorite sister-in-law Mary Smith and sister-in-law Cheryl Wise. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Helen Eckrote, a sister Beverla Tuterow, and sister-in-law Donna Aleman.
Calling will be held at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th Street, Rochester on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 4-7 p.m.
The funeral will be held at Pleasant Hill Church, 242 West Pleasant Hill Road, Akron on Friday, November 7 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Wayne Balmer officiating. There will be viewing one hour prior.
Burial will be at the Bockover Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to The Macy Food Pantry, C/O Amy Eckrote, 14439 N. 100 W., Macy, IN 46951 or Pleasant Hill Church, 242 West Pleasant Hill Road, Akron, IN 46910.
