Stephen Eckert

Stephen Eckert

Robins

Stephen Eckert, 82, of Robins, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on February 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and passion that touched countless lives. Funeral will be held at 1:30 on Sunday, March 2, at Temple Judah; 3221 Lindsay Ln SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403; phone (319) 362-1261. Burial will be held at the cemetery immediately after the service.

Stephen is survived by his loving children Jonathan Eckert, Heather (Kaman) Eckert, Tawnya (John) Monnier, and Kris (Tiff) Smith; his adoring grandchildren Maddox Eckert, Devon Eckert, Lauryn Tes Monnier, and Jakob Monnier; and his dear brother Mark (Peg) Eckert. Each held a special place in his heart, and his love for them was boundless.

Born on April 4, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, Stephen’s journey was one of constant growth and exploration. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, embarking on a 35-year career at Rockwell Collins. There, he made significant contributions, including authoring a 700-page document that became the foundation for an operating system used in testing avionics for commercial passenger jets.

While Stephen’s professional achievements were noteworthy, his true passions lay in the arts. In 1994, he and his beloved wife Joanne founded Spotlight Images, a venture that allowed them to showcase their combined talents in wedding photography. Their work garnered numerous accolades, capturing precious moments for families to cherish for generations.

Music was the rhythm of Stephen’s life from an early age. A drummer since he was 5, he shared his gift with various ensembles, from marching bands to a mariachi group. His beats resonated through his temple’s musical programs and countless productions at Theatre Cedar Rapids, bringing joy to audiences and fellow performers alike.

Even in retirement, Stephen’s creative spirit continued to flourish. He embraced videography, documenting the rich history of Temple Judah and capturing the impact of the August 10, 2020 derecho in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, preserving these significant moments for posterity.

Stephen’s life was a beautiful symphony of love, creativity, and unwavering dedication to his passions and family. His photographs will forever capture moments of joy, his music will continue to echo in the hearts of those who heard him play, and his love will remain an enduring presence in the lives of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests contributions to Habitat for Humanity or the World Jewish Congress, reflecting Stephen’s generous spirit and commitment to making the world a better place.