Gregory L. Eckhardt, 74 of Valparaiso, passed away Saturday, August 24, 2024 after a short battle with cancer. He was born October 6, 1949, in Gary, IN, to the late Carl and Gertrude “Trudy” (Danch) Eckhardt. Greg graduated from Merrillville High School in 1967. He proudly served in the United States Navy as a Navy SEAL and the Navy Reserves, including multiple tours in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, as well as the Middle East. Greg dedicated his life to public service, first as a volunteer firefighter on Morgan Township and Boone Grove Fire Departments, then as an inaugural member of the Porter County Hazmat Team, eventually taking over as the Environmental Coordinator and Hazmat Commander for Porter County for nearly 23 years. Greg served as Treasurer for the Porter County Fire Association, an instructor for the State of Indiana’s Law Enforcement Training board, a member of the Porter County Bomb Squad, and an educator for arson investigation and hazmat teams. He was also part of the Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC), Arson Investigation Task Force, and previously held the position of Superintendent of the Fire and Safety Project through Porter County 4-H. Greg will be remembered for his selfless, generous nature and dynamic storytelling. He loved his family above all else, and especially looked forward to time with his grandson. Greg will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
On October 9, 1976, Greg married the love of his life, Diane Yovanovich, who preceded him in death in 2009. He is survived by their children: Michael (Gabrielle) Eckhardt of Valparaiso, and Megan Eckhardt of Washington DC; and grandchildren: Brooklyn Mulholland and Eamon Eckhardt.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kosanke Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Kouts. The funeral mass will begin on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 302 N. Madison St., Hebron, with additional visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hoosier Burn Camp or Porter County 4-H Council.
GUESTBOOK
Carole let us know about your dad’s passing. I’m so very sorry for your loss. He was my first cousin. I remember him coming to our house in Newport Beach on the weekends when he was in the Navy. He was always so nice to me and gave me a white navy hat. He will be greatly missed. I’ll be praying for peace and comfort for your family. With love and prayers, -Trish Masnovi (aka) Pattie McNemar
Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your dedicated service for this country and for the fire service. -Sheryl Hayes
We are very sorry for your loss. Sending much love, healing prayers to you and your family from your family in AUSTRALIA. Your Father had an amazing career and life. Our thoughts are with you in this time sadness. -Michael and Helen Saville
8402, I am so grateful to have had you in my life for so long. Thank you for being so kind, generous (oh my gosh - all the gifts for no reason), inclusive and helping me to help first responders stay safe - even when my own agency wouldn't! I am glad you and Diane are together again and I know you are continuing to do great work, selflessly. You have left a great legacy in the beautiful human beings that are Mike and Megan.
TAKE CARE & BE SAFE K-1 -Kaye Newby
Dear Michael & Megan-I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I’m your Aunt Lee’s (McNemar) daughter, sister of Trish. Your dad used to visit us in California when on leave from the Navy and it was always a treat to see him. He was older than us and having all kinds of adventures that we could only imagine at the time. Unfortunately because our family moved from the midwest decades ago (1962) my sisters and I never really had the opportunity to get to know and share lives with all our aunts, uncles and cousins. It sounds like your dad had a full and rewarding life of incredible service. I just wanted to reach out to express my sympathy and pray that God blesses and comforts you in your time of grief. -Laura (McNemar) Hirschmann
I graduated with Greg . He was very liked in school. For some reason he couldn’t play football but wanted to be with us. So he was our manager. He was always a great inspiration. It was about four years ago I learned where he lived so I visited him. We talked for a long time. I’m sure he was a great husband, father , uncle and grandpa. Thank you Greg. RIP -Rick Jolliff
