Steven Eckelkamp

Steven Michael Eckelkamp (July 27, 1956) - June 10, 2017
Steven Michael Eckelkamp (Steve) passed away unexpectedly at his home on June 10th. He was 60 years young. Steve moved to Mt Juliet 3 years ago from Boca Raton, Florida where he was the Head Swim Coach at Florida Atlantic University from 1989 - 2014 and honored as Coach of the Year five times. Steve's passion and life's dedication was swimming, and he impacted many young lives over his 30 years as a collegiate swim coach. His success included USA National Team Staff Member at the LEN Cup in Italy, 1991; USA National Team Member at the Long Distance Training Camp in Hawaii, 1993; USA National Team Head Manager at the World University Games in Italy, 1997, USA National Team Manager at the Goodwill Games in Australia, 2001; USA National Team Manager at the World Championship in China 2006, and Assistant Coach at the World Championships in the United Kingdom in 2008. He coached his women's team to hold five of 18 NCAA Division II national swimming records; and after establishing a men's team, brought them to several Division I and II national Championships. His credits also include numerous NCAA qualifiers and placements in NCAA Championships as well as two All-Americans, several Honorable Mention All-American's, and Olympic Trial qualifiers. Prior to his many years at FAU, Steve also coached at the University of Minnesota (1985-1989) and at Indian River Community College. Steve was a member of the College Swim Coaches Association and Owner/Co-Director and developer (with his wife Lisa) of Fast Pace Sports, Inc. a summer youth sports camp in Boca Raton, FL. Steve received the title of Honorary Colonel for the State of Louisiana, Community Ambassador for St. Paul, MN, and was an Eagle Scout. He received his Masters of Education at the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelors in Biology & Education at the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Steve was also an adventurer, and made several challenging kayak & canoe excursions with his best friend, KJ Millhone. In 1980 they broke the speed record for canoeing the length of the Mississippi River (Guinness Book of World Records) besting the record held by the British Royal Airforce by over seven days. In 1984 they attempted to break the world record for kayaking the length of the Amazon River, but were overcome by a flash flood and forced to survive in the jungle for almost a month until they could make their way back to civilization. In 1994 they paddled up the western coast of Canada to Alaska. On that trip they were chased by grizzly bears, upended by humpback whales and caught by tidal waves from caving glaciers. While his years were too few, his adventures are too many for any one life to hold. He can teach us all a lesson about, "no regrets." Steve was a loyal Minnesota Vikings, FAU, Nashville Predators and Tottenham Hotspur fan.
Since retiring from coaching, Steve had recently begun a new career in Appraising Real Estate with The Eby Appraisal Group in Brentwood, TN. Steve was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church. Steve had just completed building the house of his dreams with his wife Lisa and two boys. He was the happiest man right up to the day he passed, those happy memories will live on.
A dedicated (ROCK STAR) father, loving and amazing husband, son, brother, son in law and loyal friend he leaves behind his wife of 19 years, Lisa Eckelkamp, and two incredible sons, Yuri (15), and Yurgun (12) his parents William & Patricia Eckelkamp of Spring Hill, Florida, brother Jim (Roberta), brother Ken (Terry), sister Kathy (Dan), sister Karen (Vern), brother Brian (Brenda), sister Diane (Steve), sister Tina, and brother Paul (Cristy)as well as over 30 nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws who will miss him greatly. Steve also left behind two beautiful dogs, Dudley (16) and Bentley (5) and a bunny, Lola (3) who have all lost their leader and best companion.
A Memorial Service will be at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 14544 Lebanon Rd, Old Hickory on Saturday June 17th at 9am Central time. Following the Service, a Celebration of Steve’s life will be held onsite at St. Stephens church hall from 11am - 2pm, lunch will be served and drinks. Please all join us at the St. Stephen Church Hall after the service as this Celebration of Life will be something that his boys will remember forever. This will be their personal send off to their Daddy in celebration of their hero. This will include speakers, stories, and anyone is welcome to like to say a few words about how they knew Steve. Online guest book is available. Please write a message about Steve as a book will be made for his two boys to keep all of these amazing messages about their Daddy.
Memorial contributions to The American Heart Association are optional.