As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Ralph Carl Eckerberg, age 88, of Baraga, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, with his family by his side.
Ralph was born on June 26, 1937, in Stambaugh, Michigan, the son of Carl and Jeanette (Gallup) Eckerberg. He graduated from Stambaugh High School in 1955 and married the love of his life, Jean Asmund, on December 15, 1956, at the First Presbyterian Church in Iron River.
Ralph proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1955 until his retirement in 1978, achieving the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. His service took his family to many different places across the country, enriching their lives with adventure and new experiences. Following his military career, Ralph earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1981. He went on to work in Minnesota for Honeywell and later Alliant Tech Systems from 1981 to 1993.
After retirement, Ralph and Jean moved to Crystal Falls, where he became the longtime caretaker of Camp Christine on Lake Mary, a place he held close to his heart.
In 2014, Ralph and Jean moved to Baraga to be closer to family.
Ralph was a proud member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, the Masonic Lodge in Crystal Falls, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the American Legion. He enjoyed westerns, cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers, and spending time with his family.
Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Jean Eckerberg of Baraga; his children, Eric (Carrie) Eckerberg of Baraga and Erin Eckerberg of Mesa, Arizona; sister Jean Eckerberg of Atlantic Mine; grandchildren Ashley Theis, Andrew Eckerberg, Alex Rehbein, and Matthew (Diana) Eckerberg; and great-grandson Dimitri Eckerberg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Jeanette Eckerberg, and his sister Edna Treado.
In accordance with Ralph’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held at this time.
The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may sign Ralph’s guestbook or leave condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com
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