Susan Swank-Eckert (Awe) Obituary

Susan Ann Swank-Eckert (Awe), 81, of Freeport, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Winn Prairie, with her family by her side.

She was born May 25, 1944, in Sycamore, Illinois, and was raised in the close-knit town of Kirkland, Illinois. Susan was the daughter of Melvin and Vivian (Smith) Awe. She graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1962 and went on to earn her degree in Education from the University of Illinois in 1966. During her time there, she was a proud charter member and President of Phi Mu.

Shortly after graduating from college, Susan married David Swank at First Lutheran Church in Kirkland. The couple moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where Susan began her teaching career while Dave attended law school. They later returned to David’s hometown of Freeport, where they settled, raised their family, and built a lifelong community they deeply cherished.

Susan was a beloved teacher at Carl Sandburg School before leaving the classroom to join Dave in purchasing and growing Rockford Business College. Throughout her life, Susan embodied the value of education. It was a legacy she and Dave treasured and were proud to cultivate both through their school and within their family.

Following retirement, Susan and Dave enjoyed time with their growing family, especially their grandchildren, and cherished time spent at their second home in Siesta Key, Florida. Dave passed away on June 16, 2011, following a progressive illness.

In the years that followed, Susan immersed herself in community life, friendships, travel with family, and meaningful adventures with her children and grandchildren. Through one of her regular neighborhood friendships, she formed a new connection that blossomed into a loving partnership. On June 26, 2021, she married Jack Eckert at First Lutheran Church in Freeport.

Susan continued to embrace life fully, enjoying many adventures and trips, along with cherished “lake life” in Wisconsin and “beach life” in Florida.

Susan was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church and a devoted organist at both First Lutheran Church in Kirkland and in Freeport. She was also an active member of P.E.O. Chapter IY.

Susan loved her family deeply, remained proud of her roots, brought joy wherever she went and was often the spark behind fun, music, holidays—especially those involving costumes—and the occasional well-planned prank.

She is survived by her husband, Jack Eckert of Freeport; her two daughters, Angela (Jon) Spachman of Freeport and Melinda (Fletcher Martin) Swank of Chicago; her sister-in-law, Judy Awe-Goltermann of Texas; and four beloved grandchildren, Noah Spachman, Kennedy Spachman, Griffyn Martin, and Sawyer Martin.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her late husband, David Swank; and her two brothers, Ben Awe and Jerry Awe.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, 303 S. Galena Ave., Freeport, IL, with Pastor Jeff Greathouse and Chaplain Tess Beyer officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. First Lutheran will provide a luncheon to follow the service.

Susan will be laid to rest beside her late husband at Oakland Cemetery and Mausoleum with an intimate committal for family. A memorial has been established in Susan’s memory.