Stephen Thomas Eckes

Stephen Thomas Eckes, 71, of Savage, passed away on June 8, 2025. A Celebration of Life will be held for Steve on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Ballard Sunder Funeral Home in Prior Lake (4565 Pleasant St.) beginning at 12pm with a Time of Gathering prior from 11-12pm.

Steve was born in Minneapolis, the fourth of five children. He always loved music, even as a small child. Steve loved all types of music and in high school waited for his favorite bands to come out with new albums that he shared with friends. He played guitar in a garage band in Junior High. Later he taught himself to play Native American Flute and played for friends and family. Over the years he collected thousands of CD’s that he listened to and shared. Steve always had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh with his one liners.

After Steve completed his degree at St. Thomas he married the love of his life, Bobbi. They married at his parents’ home in Golden Valley, and were married for 45 years.

Steve started his Paralegal career working at IDS Financial Corporation where he worked with garnishment and execution, subpoenas, IRS levies and summons, and bankruptcy notices relating to the various IDS companies, customers and employees.

After two years with IDS he was hired by National Car Rental Systems Inc. which turned out to be his favorite and most rewarding position. For 12 years he worked as a Paralegal and then as the Corporate Compliance Manager. He served as the Law Department’s direct contact with headquarters departments and U.S. and Canadian field locations regarding legal implications of Company policies and procedures.

Steve managed litigation, including background research and coordinating with outside counsel – particularly in cases relating to insurance, operations, sales and marketing. He developed responses to governmental investigations, such as by the Federal Trade Commission, Justice Department, various state attorneys general and insurance commissioners and seek appropriate resolution. He reviewed and tracked pending legislation, worked with lobbyists and state trade associations concerning legislation with impact on the car rental industry. He Analyzed new laws applicable to the car rental industry, drafted and implemented appropriate rental agreement provisions and operational procedures in response to these new laws.

After National Car Rental was sold and moved to Florida, Steve became an Insurance Claims Paralegal, remaining in Minneapolis until this division was also moved to Florida.

After leaving National Car Rental he went to Aon Corporation where he was a Technical Associate and served as Senior Project Manager for Aon Risk Consultants on limited lines insurance licensing and auto liability self-insurance program administration. He obtained and maintained self-insurance qualification and limited lines insurance licenses nationwide for several major car rental companies.

Steve’s last position before retirement was with GMAC Residential Funding Corporation, where he was a Licensing Specialist and worked to obtain and maintain Insurance, Real Estate, Collection and Mortgage Banking licenses for employees and various subsidiaries of GMAC Residential Funding Corporation.

Steve was always an animal lover and he loved and cared for many dogs and cats over the years.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Warren and Jeanette Eckes and brother-in-law Ron Doss. Steve is survived by, and will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Bobbi Eckes; his best four legged friend Archie; brothers, Gary (Vicki), Tim (Kathy), Scott (Brenda); sister, Kathy Doss; sister-in-law, Peggy Bauer; and brother-in-law, Jim Russell. Steve also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated to the Minnesota Alzheimer's Association in Steve's honor.

The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Rivers of Life Memory Care Center and Interim Healthcare (hospice) for their loving care of Steve.