Eckel, Charles Leslie 85, of Maple Grove, formerly of Brooklyn Park, died Nov. 28 from complications of Parkinson's disease. Born in Columbus, Ohio, he was preceded in death by his parents, Emma Fletcher and Curtis H. Eckel, and his wife of 46 years, Helen Dorsey Eckel. Survivors include his wife of 10 years, Ruth Johnson Levchak Eckel; his children, Karen (Ron) Bridgeman, Jefferson, GA; Paul (Carole), Jacksonville, AR; Sue (Tim) Phenow, Maple Grove; Mark, Anoka, and Krista Budde, Shoreview; and Kathy, Ham Lake; Ruth's children, Adele (Walt) Munsterman, Brooklyn Park; Gail Brooks, Brooklyn Center; Bruce (Kris) Levchak, Hanover; Denise Nagamitsu and James Riley, Minneapolis; Greg (Branda) Levchak, Lake Tapps, WA; and the couple's 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. A graduate of St. Charles Borromeo and a Navy veteran, he attended Ohio State University, then worked in sales/ management, retiring in 1999 from Premier Lincoln Mercury. A member of MDRA in its early years, he medaled in many area races and finished 17 marathons, including Boston and Grandma's in Duluth, his favorite. He took up skydiving at 68. He was active in the Fridley Alano Society, especially its Sunday Big Book group, and worked on his sobriety one day at a time for 16,027 days. In lieu of flowers, memorials asked for Struthers Parkinson's Center, Hospice of the Twin Cities or St. Therese New Hope. Mass of Christian Burial Thurs. Dec. 3, 2015, 11AM at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 7025 Halifax Ave. N., Brooklyn Center, with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also Wed. Dec. 2, 4-8 PM at: Washburn-McReavy.com Robbinsdale Chapel 763-537-2333 4239 West Broadway