James Eichelberger, 82

James Eichelberger, 82, died August 23, 2012 at Douglas Country Hospital of a massive stroke.

Jim was born June 22, 1930 in Clara City to LeRoy and Esther (Priebe) Eichelberger. Jim grew up on the family farm in rural Chippewa County and attended a rural school near the farm. Jim was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Zion Church near Murdock. He graduated from Maynard High School and continued his education at Gustavus Adolphus College until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950 and after serving he was honorably discharged.

In 1953 Jim and Mae Anderson were married at West Moe Lutheran Church in rural Brandon. They lived in rural Montevideo on the Eichelberger family farm and were blessed with the births of a daughter and two sons. In 1960, Jim and Mae bought a farm in rural Lowry. In 1965 they sold their farm and Jim continued his education and became a contract manager for Midland Farm Cooperatives. Jim held a number of management positions over the years; the family had the opportunity to make several moves and many wonderful friends. When Jim and Mae lived in Osceola, Wisconsin, Jim was a volunteer fireman and also worked with the FFA students at Red Wing High School.

In 1983, Jim, Mae and their sons bought Sandy Shores Resort on Lake Mary just outside of Alexandria. Jim also worked at St. Mary's Church for several years. In 1994 Jim retired, and he and Mae purchased a home in Brandon. Jim was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Brandon, served on the Brandon Cemetery Board, worked with other elderly individuals as a part of the Elder Network, was a member of the Brandon Lions, and recently joined the Argonne Forest American Legion Post 278.

Jim loved the outdoors and enjoyed both hunting and fishing. Jim and his sons, Joel and Ross, enjoyed many fishing trips at Lake Winnibigoshish by Bena. Jim and Joel hunted turkeys in the springtime and deer in the fall on Earl Stumpf's farm near Red Wing.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mae; daughter, Anne Esala; son, Joel and wife, Kaylee, son, Ross and wife, Corinne; granddaughters, Melissa, Ashley and Kiley Eichelberger; sister, Joan Chambers of Denver, Colorado; nephew, Mark and Alicia Chambers; sister-in-law, Louise Eichelberger of Willmar; nephews, Dane Eichelberger of Hazen, North Dakota, Clark and wife, Noni Eichelberger of St. Louis Park, niece, Lynn Eichelberger of Robbinsdale, nephew, Randy Hermanson of Isanti, and niece, Tamara and husband, Steve Kelzenberg of Isanti.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; brother, Dr. Dale Eichelberger, brother, Jerry Eichelberger; many cousins; brother-in-law, Robert Chambers Sr.; nephew, Robert Chambers Jr.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, August and Anna Anderson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne and Shirley Hermanson; and nieces, Deborah Hermanson and Denise Kosin.

A memorial service was held Sunday, August 26 at Grace Lutheran Church in Brandon. The Rev. Dennis Preston officiated. Annette and Tom Helder provided music. Interment followed at Brandon Cemetery. Honorary urn bearers were Harold “Skip” Brethorst and members of the Brandon Lions Club. Military honors were accorded by American Legion Post 278 and the Minnesota National Guard.

Jim will be remembered with love by family, neighbors and many friends.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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