Rita K. (Kauphusman) Eckstrom, 92, of Dunkirk passed away Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026 at Brooks Memorial Hospital, with her loving family by her side. She was born on October 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, MN.
Rita married Howard Eckstrom in 1953 in Jamestown 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.
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 was predeceased by her son, Richard; her grandson, Brad (mother Barb); granddaughter, Nicole; husband, Howie; brothers, Bob, Don, John and Jim Kauphusman; sisters, Mary Drake, Luanne Haun, Jeanne Heer, Margaret Cieminski and Barb Weinberger. She is survived by her siblings, Dick (Pat) Kauphusman of Stevens Point, WI and Rick (Kathy) Kauphusman of St. Paul, MN; sister-in-law, Nancy Kauphusman of Winona, MN; numerous nieces and nephews from near and far; children, Edward (Ruth) Eckstrom of Bear Lake, NY, Jean (Skip) Cole, Amy (Tim) Clarke, Andy Eckstroma and John Eckstrom, all of Dunkirk, Ron (Christine) and Eric Eckstrom of Fredonia, Barb (Steve) Skelton of Jamestown, Bob (Becky) Eckstrom of Portland, Mary (Art) Smith of Pierre, SD, Peggy (Scott) Freeman of East Syracuse, Julie (Greg) Rouse of Sarasota, FL and Carrie (Joe) Keane of Tonawanda; grandchildren, including 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; and great-grandchildren, including 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!
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend calling hours on Monday, February 16 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc., 56 East Doughty Street in Dunkirk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 17 at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, 328 Washington Avenue in Dunkirk.
Knowing the challenge of sending her own children to Catholic school, Rita recognized the importance of Catholic education, so she became an "Angel" of Northern Chautauqua Catholic School. In lieu of flowers please send donations to NCCS or a Catholic school of your choice.
Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III. Share condolences at www.rmackowiak.com.
