Marilyn Eschman
Belleville | Save
Marilyn J. Eschman, 91, born Nov. 27, 1934, in Belleville, Illinois, died at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Missouri on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
The former Marilyn Hecker attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Belleville Township High School before going to work as a secretary and office worker to support her appreciation for fashionable outfits and cute shoes. Then she met Carl Eschman, the smart and handsome friend of her older brother.
If it’s true that rain on your wedding day brings good luck, then Marilyn and Carl were swimming in it. On the morning of June 15, 1957, the day they were married, 13.75 inches of rain fell on Belleville. Their marriage lasted 62 years.
In the interim, the pair established their family’s home base on Rugby Drive. Marilyn maintained a well-appointed house, somehow managing to keep things neat and tidy and regularly refreshed with contemporary decor, while also making it a comfortable home where four rough-housing boys could freely stage a battle royale in the family room, while their nonplussed sister sprawled books and craft projects across the floor.
At the same time, Marilyn matched her passion for fashion with 17 years of part-time work as a sales associate at Famous-Barr at St. Clair Square. She served her turn as a volunteer lunch lady at St. Augustine’s Catholic School, was a member of the church’s Ladies Sodality and the St. Clair Women’s Club.
She also enjoyed decorating, gardening, dancing, tailgating and traveling with the rest of “The Groovy Group.”
Marilyn brought a graceful presence to any room. She was a prolific conversationalist, a welcoming hostess, and was unreservedly proud of her five children and their spouses, 13 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren (with two on the way).
A full and happy 91 years was made manifest by an attitude that was forward-looking and positive. Marilyn lived life unburdened by regret, undeterred by disappointment, uninterested in drama, and never so serious about herself that she couldn’t find a cause to laugh.
She was an endless source of fun, laughter and love.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Carl W. Eschman (1931-2019); parents, Raymond (1902-1957) and Onita (1910-1988) Hecker; son-in-law Scott Miller; and a favorite aunt, Dorothy Wolfersberger.
She is survived by a daughter, MaryBeth Miller (Scott, dec.) of Rochester, Illinois; sons, David Eschman of Louisville, Kentucky, Greg (Vicki) Eschman of Ooltewah, Tennessee, Jeff (Kelly) Eschman of Waterloo, and Todd (Shelly) Eschman of Swansea; grandchildren, Eric (Kala Haltner) Miller, Allison (Steve) Singer, Meredith Miller, Kris (Kellen) Eschman, Kati (TJ) Brinker, Bret (Ruth) Eschman, Bethany Eschman (Grant Pedley), Sam (Jennifer) Eschman, Conner Eschman, Logan Eschman, Grant Eschman, Sydney Eschman, and Mia Eschman; 10 great-grandchildren (two on the way); a brother, Donald Hecker, of O’Fallon; and many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
Tributes and donations may be sent in Marilyn’s memory to St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church or the Children’s Miracle Network. The family would like to extend its appreciation to the staff at Keystone Place at Richland Creek in O’Fallon and Accolade Healthcare of Waterloo for their attentive care they provided Marilyn.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 27, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Belleville.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, followed by interment rites at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
Renner Funeral Home
