Karl Eckberg, 48, of La Salle died Aug. 12, 2009, in the University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago. There will be no services. Burial will be at a later date at Putnam Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. Saturday in Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. Mr. Eckberg was born June 23, 1961, in Chicago to Kenneth E. and Wanda L. (Kane) Eckberg. He was employed by Archer Daniels Midland as a deckhand and later as a mate on grain barges. Survivors are his mother, Wanda Eckberg of La Salle; one sister, Anita (Jeff) Flanagan of Mendota; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother. Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.