Matthew James "Matt" Eckerle

      Matthew James Eckerle, age 47, of Saginaw, MI, fell asleep, woke up in Heaven and ran into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

     A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 1, 2023, with Chaplain John Elledge, Evangelist & Brother in Christ officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

     Matthew was born in Carson City, Michigan on May 26, 1975, the son of Karl F. and Marsha Diann (Hiller) Eckerle. He graduated from Dow High School, Midland, MI with the class of 1993.  On December 14, 2018, Matthew married Rachel Leilani Statler in Midland, MI.

     Matt was an artist. He was passionate about bodybuilding. He enjoyed camping and hunting; just being outdoors. Matt's faith was the foundation of his life. He was a seeker of Truth and spent many hours studying the scriptures. He enjoyed spending time with his family, children, and friends.

     He is survived by his parents Karl and Marsha Eckerle, wife Rachel, six children: Gabriel, Morgan, Angelina, Braddock, Bralin, and Logan Eckerle, three step-sons: Kyth Bischoff, Vinnie Maguire and Isaiah Maguire; one brother Michael (Stephanie) Eckerle, and many other family and friends.

     Memorials may be made to the Matthew and Rachel Eckerle family. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.