Kathleen "Kathy" Ecker

Kathleen V. “Kathy” Ecker, age 75 of Miltona and formerly of New Munich, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on Friday, August 7, 2026 at her home on Lake Miltona. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness, warmth, and love touched everyone who knew her.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, August 14 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Inurnment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Friday at the church in New Munich.

Kathleen Valeria Funk was born July 17, 1951 in Melrose, Minnesota to Edward and Beatrice (Rademacher) Funk. On August 14, 1971, she was united in marriage to Thomas Ecker at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich. Throughout the years, they raised their five amazing children. In 2012, Tom and Kathy retired to their dream home on Lake Miltona near Alexandria.

Kathy found joy in family gatherings, holidays, summers at the lake, good music, and sharing meals with the people she loved. She was known for her generous heart and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her greatest pride was her family. She leaves behind loved ones who will forever cherish her laughter, her strength, and the countless memories she created with them. Kathy will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Survivors include her children, Heidi (Chris) Wrede of New Hope, Aaron (Lori) Ecker of Alexandria, Carl (Melissa) Ecker of Chanhassen, Gretta (Brian) Eder of Lake Elmo, and Megan (Dan) Stern of Portland, Oregon; 12 grandchildren, Logan Meyers, Emma, Owen, and Noah Ecker, Charlie and Nora Wrede, Georgia and Frankie Lou Ecker, Beatrice and Pearl Eder, and Scottie and Tommy Stern; brothers, Art (Kay) Funk, Ken Funk, Ron (Carol) Funk, Fran Funk of Sauk Centre, and Vic (Patty) Funk; sisters, Mary Ann Kammers, Dorine (Allen) Ebel, Rita (Roger) Scherping, Rene (Tom) Pierskalla, and Marlene (Tom) Altendahl.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Ecker; parents, Edward and Beatrice Funk; brother, Cel Funk; brothers-in-law, Bill Phillips and Mel Kammers; and sister-in-law, Elaine Funk. 

Serving as urn bearer will be Charlie Wrede. Serving as cross bearer will be Logan Meyers and scripture bearer will be Emma Ecker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated for cancer research and local oncology support.