Richard Valentine Ecker

Visitation

Oct 7, 2022 to Oct 8, 2022

Biography

Richard Valentine Ecker Beloved husband of Seung Hee nee Choi, Loving father of Richard (Susan) Ecker and Erik (Caroline) Ecker; Cherished grandfather of Will, Josie, Ewelina, Suzanna ; Dear brother of Joseph (Ellen) Ecker, MaryAnne Ecker and Bill Llaguno; Dear uncle of Joseph, Amelia, Adam. After graduating from West Leyden High School in 1966, Richard enlisted in the Army and served during the Viet Nam War with the 101st Airborne Tiger Force division. After his discharge from the Army, Richard attended Triton College and competed on the Men’s Gymnastics team. Richard and Seung Hee met in Chicago at a party and after a few years, married and moved to Wood Dale. There they raised their family and Richard opened and taught Tae Kwon Do at his school in Wood Dale for a number of years. While being a stern disciplinarian, Richard always cared for his student’s wellbeing and never hesitated to offer help of any kind to them. Professionally, Richard worked in construction as a Union Master Carpenter and in retirement enjoyed working on his sons’ homes with them and giving a helping hand where need be. His passion always was doing the job right, but his biggest passion was his family. He was a friend, teacher, mentor. He was a “Hard Ass with a Heart of Gold” and will be missed, but will live on by those who continue to honor his memory. Visitation Friday 3:00-8:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am until time of Service, 11:00am at The Oaks Funeral Home, 1201 E Irving Park Road (at Prospect), Itasca. It will be followed by interment at Acacia Cemetery 7800 West Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL For funeral info: 630-250-8588 or oaksfh.com