David Eckdahl Obituary

David H. Eckdahl
Born: January 22, 1953 in Norfolk, VA
Died: August 12, 2025 in Downers Grove, IL
David Eckdahl was born to George and Donna Eckdahl and raised with his beloved siblings Linda (Doug) Ratcliffe and John (Erin) Eckdahl in Downers Grove, graduating from South HS in 1971; his high school career included working as the sports editor of the Downers Grove Reporter, singing in the a Capella choir, and playing an important part on the golf team, which led to lifelong friendships and passion for both singing and athletics. In his young adulthood he enjoyed ski trips to Colorado, boating and water sports on the Illinois River, and visiting Door County, WI and Paw Paw Lake, MI, all with family.
Dave attended Augustana College, graduating in 1975. He started his career in accountancy as a traveling internal auditor for H&R Block before becoming a CPA and building his own tax accounting and bookkeeping practice in Downers Grove. It was on the road in Detroit where Dave met Dayle, his wife of 43 years; they were blessed with three children: Melissa, Howard (Faye Lindsey), and Nicole (John) Sabatino. Dave is also survived by grandsons Rory and Noah Sabatino, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends by whom he was well-loved.
Dave was a loyal, "will-travel-for-baseball" White Sox fan (he took excursions to at least two dozen stadiums) and enjoyed hitting the links, singing with his friends in the church choir, listening to music, looking after his dogs, bird watching, and cooking outside. He was a youth baseball and softball coach, the treasurer of the DGN booster club, a confirmation teacher, council member, treasurer and financial secretary of Gloria Dei, a caretaker, and a remarkable force on the dance floor. Dave's durable commitment to his family, community, and church exhibited a character formed by faith, motivated by love, and willed to serve. His warm, good-natured, fun-loving and generous spirit will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Music Ministry of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or the Lewy Body Dementia Association. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 22nd from 4:00-7:00 pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (4501 Main Street, Downers Grove). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 23rd at 11:00 am, also at Gloria Dei.