Bob (Bullet) Eckstrom, 69, of Minneapolis and Silver Bay, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 28 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. He was born Febr 7, 1956, in Salem, OR, the son of Robert and Ruby Eckstrom. Bob moved with his parents to Silver Bay, MN when he was two. Bob grew up in Silver Bay and graduated from William Kelley High School. He was active in the chess club and hockey. His hockey coach gave him the nickname “Bullet”, which he kept. After graduation, he attended Duluth Vocational School, where he graduated with a degree in machinery and electronics.
Bob worked in the machine tool industry as an electrical mechanical engineer. Prior to his retirement, he owned his own business, the Professional Service Company.
Bob had a strong faith in God and attended services at Eagle Brook Church. He especially enjoyed their music. He also enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing lakes, rivers and oceans, including great trips to Alaska and Canada. He enjoyed hunting at the deer shack that was on Manitou River. He was elated both times when he shot a moose and a bear. He had many trips hunting Elk in Montana. He hunted mule deer and turkey in South Dakota. He loved four-wheeling and snowmobiling. He also enjoyed car racing, vintage cars, and model trains. He enjoyed many camping trips across the United States with his parents and sister.
Along with his companion, Doreen, Bob spent this last winter in Black Canyon, AZ, having a great time. While there, he obtained a new nickname, Whoopi Jr. He was in the process of moving from Minneapolis back to Silver Bay prior to his death.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents (Bob and Ruby) and his son Jason. He is survived by his loving companion Doreen, sons Matthew (Jessica), Colin (Crystal), daughter Melinda, Uncle Ed, sister Lisa (Peter), grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Services will be held on June 14th at 11 AM with visitation starting at 10 AM, at Sychar Lutheran Church in Silver Bay. Luncheon to follow. A burial service will be held at a later date.
