Maurice R. Eckstein, age 86, passed away on June 10, 2023, at his home south of Batesville, Indiana. He was born on November 21, 1936, on the family farm near Batesville, to Anthony and Cora (Mierle) Eckstein. He married Helen Rose Wilhelm on April 25, 1959, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Batesville. After 64 years of marriage, he still made her laugh.
Maurice was a farmer and long-time welder and farm machinery repairman. He created unique wrought iron furniture, baker’s racks, benches, and outdoor flowerpot holders. He worked his “signature” heart into many of his creations. A man of faith and lifelong Catholic, he often said, “Jesus is your friend if you’ll let him be.” Maurice enjoyed bluegrass and old-time country music, loved to sing, and could whistle like no other. He had a quick wit and two deep dimples that enhanced his smile and laugh.
Maurice is survived by his wife, Helen; children: Andy (Jan) Eckstein, Sharon (Paul Wietlisbach) Eckstein, Joan (Jon) McKamey, Linda (Toby Vannatta) Eckstein, Brenda (Dominic) Moster, Gina (E. Clarke) Seaton, and Ric (Sara) Eckstein; brother: Leonard Eckstein; sisters-in-law: Virginia and Kitty Eckstein, and brothers-in-law: Art, Alvin, and Bob Wilhelm. He is also survived by grandchildren: Rudy Eckstein; Brittany (Jake) Kohorst; Leah, Caleb, Moriah, and Noah Bowen; Claire McKamey; Shelby and Grant Vannatta; Carmen and Jared Eckstein; Ethan, Caroline, Luke, and Elise Moster; Alex, Miller, Henry, and Mark Seaton; Jake and Lucy Eckstein; and great-grandchildren: Zoë and Savannah Eckstein, Elliot Kohorst, Brantley Wagers, and one on the way. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews, neighbors, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Mark; daughter-in-law, Julie; siblings and spouses: Frances (George) Kollmann, Paul (Beatrice), Leona (Elmer) Sarringhaus, Helen (Ray) Melvin, George, Robert (Catherine), and Herbert (Marceda); mother- and father-in-law: Carl and Clara (Bedel) Wilhelm; brother- and sisters-in-law: Ed, Adele, Martha, and Vicki Wilhelm; nephew: Bernie Eckstein; nieces: Shelby Warner, Susie Kuhn, and Kathleen Hoeschen.
Services will be on Friday, June 16, at St. Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon, Indiana. Visitation in the church will start at 3 p.m. with Mass following at 4 p.m. His cremains will be interred in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made for Masses or donations to Margaret Mary Hospice (mmhealth.org/health-foundation/donate-now) and National Right to Life (donate.nrlc.org).