Richard “Dick” Eckel, 86, of Berlin Heights, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on August 28, 1939 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Howard and Marguarite (Dick) Eckel.
Richard graduated from Bowling Green High School and then received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree from St. Mary College in Kentucky. He went on to Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio and received his Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology. He was ordained as a priest in 1965 and served as Associate Pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sandusky where he administered to the spiritual needs of members, counseled individuals and families and taught religion. His involvement in the community included founding a help service for inmates, establishing a 24-hour crisis phone service, and a Youth House Center just to name a few. After he left the institution in 1972, he remained in integral part in “Serving God through serving His people” by serving on a myriad of task forces and boards to further drug and alcohol education and legislation. He co-authored a book along with 11 other priests titled “Why We Walked Away.” He also served as a consultant for the Citizens Counsel on Domestic Violence. In 1981 he founded Sandusky Counseling Service and Life Enterprises, maintaining private counseling and spiritual related functions. He owned and operated AmeriStar Water bedrooms and Furniture from 1987 to 1994. He began working in the Distribution Center at Midwest Industries in Willard in 1994 until he retired in 2011.
Continuing his calling as a minister, he performed weddings, baptisms up until 2022. He once said, “life is one spontaneous experience after another”, which is demonstrated by his rich and storied life.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Patricia (Guinn), whom he married in 1993. He is also survived by a daughter; Chelsey (Kyle) Meagrow, son; Zachary (Keli) Eckel, sisters, Sister Diana Lynn Eckel, Darlene Minnick, Debbie Wilson; special friend and mother of his children; Brenda Bahnsen, grandchildren; Coltyn and Olivia Meagrow, Grant, Carson and Miles Eckel, his beloved dog; Casey as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brothers; David and Daniel Eckel, and a sister Dorothy in infancy, brothers-in-law; Bruce Wilson, Joe Minnick, Bill Allman and Jerry Stolle.
Visitation will be Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 11:00 am to noon at St. John’s UCC, 2712 Thomas Road, Milan with a memorial service starting at noon with Rev. Wendy Schindler-Chasney presiding. In lieu of Flowers those wishing to contribute to Richard’s memory may do so to The Society for Protection of Animals, Inc., P.O. Box 1047, Fremont, Ohio 43420, or to the Second Harvest Food Bank or a local food bank of your choice.
Toft Funeral Home, Hinman Chapel, 38 South Street, Berlin Heights, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.
