Michael Charles “Mike” Eckstein, 71, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on July 9, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Mike was born in Batesville, Indiana on March 31, 1953. He graduated from Batesville High School and continued on to receive his degree in Broadcasting from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
After college, Mike started his career as a Photojournalist at WKJG, Channel 33 in Fort Wayne, where he was a multi-year winner of Photographer of the Year. He continued his career at WTHR, Channel 13 in Indianapolis, IN for over 26 years, where he also received many awards for his outstanding work.
Mike was a natural storyteller. He loved his job and the people he worked with and gained many life-long friends along the way, as well as some wild tales of his experiences. Some of his favorite moments were getting together with his buddies, both from childhood and from his years in television news and sharing crazy anecdotes that always ended in a round of hearty laughter.
Mike was a loyal and loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend and adored his daughter Emily along with his many animals, including a horse named Calypso. He was married to his beloved wife, Laura, for over 36 years. He was preceded in death by his parents: Albert and Betty Eckstein. He is survived by his wife Laura Eckstein, his daughter Emily Burniston (Adam), his sister Pamela Bischoff, his many nieces and nephews and his cherished dog Jude.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on Saturday, August 10th at 1pm, followed by a luncheon reception at the church for those who wish to attend. A memorial Mass and burial will be held in his hometown of Oldenburg, IN at a later date for family and friends who are unable to travel to Fort Wayne.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Direct Relief, or the Humane Society in his honor.
Fond memories and pictures can be shared at: www.advantagemungovan.com