Cynthia Ecker - Quad Cities Online. Moline Native and Teacher.

Cynthia Ecker

Cynthia Ecker - Quad Cities Online:


July 7, 1937-July 21, 2012

Cynthia was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 21, 2012. Her sudden passing was a surprise to all, and she died peacefully at her residence at the Lighthouse, of Silvis.

Funeral services will be 11a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at First Covenant Church, 3303 41st St., Moline. After the service, there will be time to greet the family at a luncheon in the fellowship hall. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery, Moline. Memorials may be made to First Covenant Church piano fund or the Quad City Music Guild. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory Ltd., Moline, is assisting the family.

Cynthia was born, raised and lived in Moline for all but the last two years of her life. She was the daughter of Clarence (Ted) and Thelma (Erickson) Ecker. She was a graduate of both Moline High School and Augustana College in Rock Island. At Augustana, she was active in both the music and drama programs and was a cheerleader.

After her graduation, she began her teaching career in Walcott, Iowa, where she taught for two years. From there, she went on to Calvin Coolidge Junior High, in Moline, and spent more than 40 years between Coolidge and John Deere Middle School.

She was a music teacher and director of musicals, plays, choirs and instrumental groups. Cynthia often wrote original music for her students to perform in many of her productions. She mentored hundreds of young musicians, some of whom became professionals, and accompanied many more at contests all over the state where many won honors and accolades.

She was an accomplished pianist and always in demand to perform or accompany vocalists and choirs.

In addition to her teaching career, she also was active in the Quad City Music Guild. She was the musical director for many popular performances including "Fiddler on the Roof," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat," "Oklahoma," "Music Man" and others. She also sang in many professional groups.

Cynthia was a life-long member of First Covenant Church of Moline, where she was a member of the choir for most of her life and also directed the choir for many years. She also played the piano at many church services and events and, at one time, directed the church's youth choir, which numbered nearly 60 voices. After her retirement from professional teaching, she continued to mentor students in voice and piano up until recently. She was loved by her students, friends and family and will be missed but not forgotten.

She is survived by her sister, Gloria (Jeff) Welcker, of Sycamore, Ill.; and brothers, Ted (Marcia) Ecker, of Barrington, Ill., and Jon (LaVonne) Ecker, of Arden Hills, Minn.; as well as 14 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Peace be to the memory of a kind, talented and loving woman.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting her obituary at www.esterdahl.com.


'via Blog this'