Rita K. Eckstrom
Rita K. Eckstrom died on Feb. 11, 2026 surrounded by family. She was born on Oct. 1, 1933, the daughter of Gertrude and Roman Kauphusman. Inspired by her parents, Rita’s devotion to faith and family began as one of 12 children in Winona, Minnesota.
Rita married Howard Eckstrom in 1953 in Jamestown, NY before settling in Dunkirk. An active member of Sacred Heart, then St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, she was a member of the choir, a minister of Holy Communion, an RCIA team member, an altar server, and a member of the ladies guild.
She was the proud matriarch of our family of 141 including 14 children, 42 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her son, Richard; her grandson, Brad and his mother, Barb; granddaughter, Nicole; and husband, Howie. Also brothers, Bob, Don, John, Jim Kauphusman; sisters, Mary Drake, Luanne Haun, Jeanne Heer, Margaret Cieminski and Barb Weinberger.
Attending Mass daily after retirement, Rita let her faith shine which had a profound impact on her family, friends, coworkers (Cliffstar) and many she encountered. Her passion for travel led her to visiting most U.S. states and 22 countries. She enjoyed spending time with family whether sharing a cup of coffee, playing games, or anything that challenged her competitive spirit.
She is survived by her siblings, Dick (Pat) Kauphusman of Stevens Point, WI; Rick (Kathy) Kauphusman of St. Paul, MN; and sister-in-law Nancy Kauphusman, of Winona, MN and numerous nieces and nephews from near and far.
Her legacy includes her children, Edward (Ruth) Eckstrom of Bear Lake, NY; Jean (Skip) Cole, Amy (Tim) Clarke, Andy Eckstrom, John Eckstrom all of Dunkirk, NY; Ron (Christine) Eckstrom, Eric Eckstrom of Fredonia, NY; Barb (Steve) Skelton of Jamestown, NY; Bob (Becky) Eckstrom of Portland, NY; Mary (Art) Smith of Pierre, SD; Peggy (Scott) Freeman of East Syracuse, NY; Julie (Greg) Rouse of Sarasota, Florida; Carrie (Joe) Keane of Tonawanda, NY.
Grandchildren include Travis (Amber), Alexis (Douglas), Brian (Sheila), Matt (Debbie), Justin (Julie), Mark (Tori), Adam, Mike (Ashley), Erica (Garret), Joe (Abbie), Jacob, Jeremy, Chris (Carey), Amanda (Jeremy), Laura (Dave), Marty, Alicia (Jake), Nate (Kayleigh), Luke (Sara), Nick (Heather), Jordon (Evelyn), Elijah (Maggie), Ashley (Austin), Casey, Zack, Angela (Sam), Christian (Emily), Julia (Dan), Matthias, Cassie (Kevin), Josh(LeAnne), Gabbi, Caleb, Luke, Courtney, Savannah (Joe), Hunter, Alex, Kenzie, Seamus and Liam.
Great-grandchildren include: Hannah, Kaida, Draycen, Emma, Mason, Kinley, Elise, Asher, Maddox, Ollie, Leo, Olivia, Sadie, Josie, Vance, Margot, Ben, Maeve, Will, Callan, Ciaran, Madeline, James, Avery, Aria, Bella, Landon, Raegan, Addison, Tristan, Greyson, Lucian, Lorelai, Lochlann, Lennox, Elliott, Ted, Payton, Kendall, Harper, Cora, Nolan, Roman, Lucy, Stella, Benjamin, Milo, Connor, Hadley, Ayden and Kamden.
She had a zest for life, and she won!
Knowing the challenge of sending her own children to Catholic school, Rita recognized the importance of Catholic education, so she became an “Angel” of NCCS. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Northern Chautauqua Catholic School or a Catholic school of your choice.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 4-7 p.m. at R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc; 56 East Doughty Street, Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Feb. 17, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church; 328 Washington Ave., Dunkirk, NY. Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III; R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc.