Jeffrey Eckroth

Jeffrey “Jeff” Eckroth, 60, of Reno, Nevada, left this world way to soon on September 16th, 2022. He passed away in his home surrounded by his children in Reno, Nevada, from early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Jeff was born on September 27th, 1961, to Timothy “Tim” and Judith “Judy” (Graner) Eckroth in Bismarck, North Dakota. He grew up in Mandan, North Dakota, with his older sister, Shelly, and younger brothers, Mark and Tim. He worked with his dad at Barney’s Service, and he was known at an early age to be an adrenaline junky, chasing tornadoes on his motorcycle. He touched many throughout his life. An alumnus of NDSU in 1979 and its Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, he became a financial planner, which he continued for the rest of his career and where he helped many people. He headed west in 1988 and found his ultimate playground in Reno, Nevada. He worked hard but he played harder. Eternally young, Jeff truly lived life to the fullest. He lived true to himself and was uncompromising in his values. Some say Jeff was always looking to have a good time, but those of us who knew him best know that he was the good time. He brought the fun with him, always towing the best toys behind him on the way to an adventure. He enjoyed skiing and snowmobiling in the mountains in the winter and boating and biking in the summer. He was always the first to the end of the hiking trail and would be waiting with a smile and a joke about how you should keep up! He had so many friends and left even more wonderful memories. Jeff’s ethos lives on in his three children. Lauren, whose adventures and compassion for others embody her father’s own impact on the world. She now lives in Minnesota with her husband, Travis, and their son, Finley Jeffrey, who will be raised to continue Jeff’s traditions and joy of life. Cassie shares her father’s ability to bring an entire room to laughter, and she certainly follows in her dad’s footsteps with her never-give-up attitude, fierce independence, and athleticism. Will shares Jeff’s strength of character, candidness, and integrity. He provided his dad with so much support and Jeff was so proud of the man he has become. Few can put into words the love that Jeff had for his kids, and he would have told you that they were the best part of him. And, last but not least, his 3 labs – Jax, Tanzi, and Malibu – were his best friends, and they accompanied Jeff on many hikes and walks to the river in his final years. They kept him going to the very end. His spirit will be carried on by his mother, Judy Eckroth (Graner); his sister, Shelly Getler (Eckroth), brothers Mark Eckroth and Tim Eckroth; his children, Lauren Phillips (Eckroth) and her husband Travis Phillips, Cassie Eckroth, and Will Eckroth; his grandson, Finley Phillips (Lauren and Travis); and many other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Timothy Eckroth. There will be a private family service, per his wishes. This will be followed by a celebration of life reception at his home on November 2nd (details to follow on Facebook). Please have a drink in his honor and remember the good times. Have a party, we all know he would have. Remember him by living your life to the fullest. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations can be made to the High Fives Organization.