Daniel Victor Eckberg, 68, of Superior earned his wings in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 10, 2014, with family by his side at St. Luke's Hospice.

He was born on May 8, 1945 in Superior to Oscar and Agnes (Nasset) Eckberg.  Dan grew up with the greatest of siblings – Evelyn, Robert, Roger (Bill), Helen, David, Betsy, Tom and Mark.  In addition he had two infant sisters whom he was never able to meet, MaryLou and Linda.

Dan began working in the railroad industry at 20 years old.  He worked as a conductor for the Great Northern, Amtrak and Burlington Northern before retiring from BNSF after 40 years of service in the railroad industry in 2005.  In addition to being a railroad conductor, Dan also served as a Local Chairman of UTU Local 832 for 22 years.

Dan married his soul mate, Renee Peterson, on May 6, 1972 at St. Louis Church in Superior.  Together they raised six wonderful children together.  Dan was a family man and was proud of all of their accomplishments.  What really brought pride and joy to Dan were his 13 grandchildren.  He loved making lemonade with them, having backyard parties/barbeques and just being a fun grandpa.  Although he was an avid sports fan, his favorite athletes were his grandkids.  Even if he didn't exactly understand the sport, he was their number one fan!

In addition to his wife Renee, his parents Oscar and Agnes, Dan will be joining his brothers Robert, Roger "Bill" and Mark along with sisters, Helen, MaryLou and Linda in eternal rest.

Dan will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Kevin (Julie) Peterson of Minong, WI; Patrick (Kari) Peterson and David Eckberg both of Superior; daughters, Jennifer (Aaron) O'Dell of North Branch, MN, Melinda (David) DeRoche and Amanda (Colin) Peterson both of Superior;  Grandkids, Kevin Michael, Katie and Johnny Peterson of Minong; Jacquob, Travis and Patrick Peterson Jr. of Superior; Emelia and William O'Dell of North Branch; Nathan, Kaelyn and Aubreigh DeRoche, Isaac and Autumn Peterson all of Superior.  Brothers David (Carol) Eckberg of Rochert, MN, Tom Eckberg of Superior, WI and sisters Evelyn Benjamin of Virginia, MN and Betsy Turner of Bardwell, KY.

While it is never easy to say good-bye it is comforting to know that Dan is amongst angels and will continue to watch us grow from afar.

Visitation and funeral services will be on Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at Downs Funeral Home, corner of 19 ^th St. and Ogden Ave.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the Noon funeral service with Fr. Andrew Ricci officiating.