Ronald Frank Eickhorst

Ronald Frank Eickhorst passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on June 13, 1946, Ron will be remembered with love and gratitude by those who knew him and shared in his life.

Ron’s life was centered on family, and he leaves behind many who will continue to cherish his memory. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gretchen Eickhorst; his daughter, Jennifer Jane Eickhorst; and his son, Blake Matthew Eickhorst. He is also lovingly remembered by his bonus daughter, Heather (Jason) Barnett, and by his bonus son, George (Jenn) Caban and their families. His granddaughter, Ella Grace Eickhorst, held a special place in his heart, and his memory will also be treasured by his brothers, Steven Eickhorst and Craig Eickhorst, along with a host of other family members and friends whose lives were touched by his presence.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Eickhorst, and his mother, Roberta Eickhorst.

Ron Eickhorst was a man of deep faith, quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and extraordinary kindness. He lived his life devoted to the people he loved the faith he cherished, and the values that guided him. To know Ron was to know a man who looked for the good in others, gave generously of himself, and rarely, if ever, complained.

Ron grew up on a farm in Carlock, Illinois, the oldest of three boys. His agricultural roots remained an important part of who he was throughout his life. He went on to receive a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Illinois, beginning a life marked by hard work, responsibility, service, and a love for the outdoors.

Ron was also a proud American and a deeply rooted patriot. During his military service, he had the remarkable opportunity to serve in the White House Communications Agency during the administration of President Richard Nixon. He participated in the historic China visit by Nixon in 1972. Throughout his life, Ron proudly flew the American flag and never missed an opportunity to cheer for the USA. He had a special interest in supporting our national parks.

But of all the roles Ron held throughout his life, none meant more to him than those of husband, father, grandfather, family member, and friend. He shared 57 years of marriage with the love of his life, Gretchen. Their life together was filled with love, faith, family, and treasured memories, including a special trip to Hawaii in celebration of their 40th wedding anniversary.

Ron fiercely loved his family and treasured time spent with those closest to him. Some of his favorite adventures were many trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of MN with his son, Blake. Whether traveling somewhere special or simply gathering around the table for a home-cooked meal, Ron found his greatest happiness in being with the people he loved.

His faith in Jesus was at the center of his life. Ron did not hesitate to share his faith with others, and he faithfully attended church with his family. He lived out his beliefs not simply through words, but through the way he treated people. If someone was in need, Ron looked for a way to help, whether by giving his time, lending a hand, offering encouragement, or providing financial assistance. His generosity was quiet and genuine, asking for nothing in return.

Ron also knew how to appreciate life's simple pleasures. He loved working outdoors, mowing the lawn, landscaping, and keeping his car in tip-top shape.

These small traditions are part of what made Ron so loved. They are the memories that will bring smiles in the days ahead: a perfectly cared-for lawn, a clean car, an American flag flying proudly, a favorite dessert on the table, a family meal, and a quiet act of kindness offered to a neighbor or someone who needed it. He had a definite sweet tooth and thoroughly enjoyed chocolate milk, Jelly Bellies, homemade pie, carrot cake, root beer, pulled pork, Hershey Kisses, and chocolate cake were among his favorites.

Even while enduring a long-term illness, Ron continued to demonstrate the strength of his character. He did not allow hardship to define him. Instead, he continued to look for the good in others and faced his circumstances without complaint, remaining faithful to the values that had guided him throughout his life.

Ron leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply in years or accomplishments. His legacy lives in his faith, his devotion to Gretchen, his love for his family and friends, his generosity toward others, his patriotism, and the example he set through a life lived with integrity.

Those who loved Ron will miss his wisdom, his kindness, his steady presence, and all the wonderful things that made him who he was. Others can also find comfort in knowing that Ron knew Jesus, lived his faith, loved his family fiercely, and made the lives of others better simply by being part of them.

He lived with integrity.

He loved with devotion.

He gave with generosity.

He endured with grace.

And he leaves behind a life worthy of being celebrated and remembered.

Ron was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

Memorials in honor of Ron Eickhorst may be made to:

· American Parkinson’s Disease Association Missouri Chapter – www.apdaparkinson.org/welcome-to-apda-greater-st-louis-chapter 

· North Danvers Mennonite Church - www.northdanverschurch.org 

· Friends of the Boundary Waters - Friends of the Boundary Waters — Protect the BWCA