Kenneth George Eckert, 82, died Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 in a house fire.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1938, Ken served in the Navy from 1959 to 1962 where he learned engineering skills. He then worked as a technician and then manager at IBM for 30 years. Always learning and looking for opportunities where he could solve engineering problems, in his retirement Ken developed an environmental Freon recovery and disposal business after which he started and ran Eckert HVAC.

Ken’s passions were many and he loved sharing his skills and knowledge. He loved nature, animals, fishing, boating, sailing, and shooting. An aeronautic buff, he spent many years building, fixing, and flying ultralight planes. A collector and creator of tools and gadgets, Ken could fix what was broken, even creating the parts he needed. Ken found solace and comfort in his workshop.

For more than 25 years, he was involved with the historic preservation and restoration of Historic Schaefferstown, where he was an active member sharing his time, knowledge, and skills as a craftsman, engineer, woodworker, stonemason, historian, demonstrator, and friend. He will be missed.

Ken is survived by his children, Joy Boland, Kenneth, Andrew (Tammy), and Karl (Shelby) Eckert, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, brother John Kevin Eckert, of Severna Park, MD, and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy (Steigerwald), spouses Catherine (Bucher), Ruth (Swavely), and Frances (Hulsizer).

Clauser Funeral Home, Schaefferstown, is helping with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, dedications may be made to Historic Schaefferstown, Inc., PO Box 307, Schaefferstown, PA 17088.

A private ceremony celebrating Ken’s life will be held on the Chesapeake Bay later this year.

The family thanks the eight fire companies and the 65 firemen that came to assist. Thank you to friends, neighbors, and the Schaefferstown community for the wonderful compassion and care shown to us. It is also a tremendous comfort to know Dad knew his sins were forgiven through the work of Jesus. www.clauserfh.com