Peter M. Ecker, 64, of Trempealeau passed away Sunday, November 22, 2009 at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center. He was born in Winona, Minnesota on June 28, 1945 to Ervin "Pete" and Janet (Spittler) Ecker. He attended Bluff Siding Elementary, Fountain City Jr. High and High School, and Winona State University receiving a BS degree in education. Peter taught art at Holmen High School for eighteen years retiring in 1986. There he met the love of his life, Mary K. Skroch and they were married on December 17, 1977 in Onalaska. Peter took over his grandfather's apple orchard in 1972 near Centerville, Wisconsin, now known as Ecker's Apple Farm. Peter was very proud of his agricultural inventions, which included a washer and grader for apples, an agave pot planter used in the tequilla process, and was currently working on an automated caramel apple machine.Peter knew that every person he met impacted him in some way. He lived and taught by the words of Ellen Parr; "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity."

Peter is survived by his loving wife, Mary; two daughters, Jessica and Sara Ecker; his mother, Janet Spittler Ecker; in addition to many brothers and sisters-in law and nieces and nephews. Pete was preceded in death by his father, Pete and his sister, Sandy.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 27, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 515 Main Street North, Holmen. The Reverend Delbert Malin and Reverend Betsy Miller-Ruben will officiate and burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Centerville. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for visitation. 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. will be a time to share stories and favorite memories of Peter.
Friends may also call at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.