Rodger J. Eckhardt Obituary (1935 - 2024)

Dr. Rodger J. Eckhardt, 89, went to our Lord peacefully with family by his side in Lisbon, Maine on December 8, 2024. Rodger died as he had lived, “Trusting Jesus”. Throughout his life, Rodger was a bold advocate for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and provided a wonderful example for his family, friends and colleagues of a strong, yet compassionate Christian man. He was a loving husband and a hands-on father, taking his family to church regularly, going nationwide camping, which included driving through 50 states (whether they liked it or not!), fishing, to ‘Mr. Donut’ after chopping wood on Saturdays, and games on Sundays. He loves his children, and his children loved him. Rodger was a born administrator and developer. Whether serving in his local church developing Bible study classes for his Pastor or administrating and teaching for the Caribbean School of the Bible, he actively used his gifts to serve the Lord. While working in the Community College system in Michigan he also served as a president of the Full Gospel Businessmen's local chapter. When working as a Vocational Development Expert (Zambia, Belize, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Bosnia, Michigan and Maine) he and wife Eleanor eagerly pastored home churches reaching their neighbors and international colleagues with the message of Jesus and His love for every tribe, people and nation. And in his spare time, while living ‘retired’ in Maine, he co-founded Stauron University and also StrongMen International Men’s Ministry. All told, Dr Eckhardt had a lead role in the establishment of 29 institutions of higher learning and well over 100 Christian churches, ministries and men's small groups. During a StrongMen Conference, Dr. Eckhardt was asked, “What is your greatest regret in life?”. His answer, “If only I had dreamed bigger. How much more could I have done for the Lord? By God’s grace, everything for which I TRUSTED JESUS was accomplished. If only I had dreamed bigger!”. He was preceded in death by Eleanor, his wife of 65 years; his brother, Martin Eckhardt; sister, Marlene Christianson; and two great grandchildren, Malachi and Abijah. He is survived by his sister, Marian (Glen) Knutson of Iola, Wisconsin; son, John and his wife, Linda Eckhardt of Lisbon, Maine; daughter, Rebecca Eckhardt of Waupaca, Wisconsin; son, Mathew Eckhardt of Waupaca; daughter, Elizabeth Humphrey and her husband, Nate, of Gray, Maine; 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. A Remembrance Service will be held at Family Christian Fellowship/Stauron Ministries in Topsham, Maine in the near future. A Celebration of Life will be held in Waupaca, Wisconsin this coming Spring. Those wishing to make a financial gift in honor of Dr. Eckhardt’s life may do so to: Freedom House Belize (Prisoner Aftercare and Discipleship Center) in Roaring Creek, Belize. Go to: www.Stauron.org and click on the GIVE button. Be sure to memo “Freedom House” For checks mail to: Stauron, 655 Augusta Road, Topsham, ME 04086. Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Stetsons Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 12 Federal Street, Brunswick, Maine Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Stetsons Funeral Home website, www.stetsonsfuneralhome.com