David H. Eichelberger, 80, of Minier, Illinois passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by family the evening before. His wife was with him at the time of his passing.

Dave was born on October 28, 1945, in Goshen, Indiana, the son of the late Lester and Mildred Stutzman Eichelberger. He married Kathie Jennings on November 3, 1973.

Surviving are his wife, one daughter Stephanie Eichelberger of Mackinaw, Illinois, two sons, Chad (Melissa) Eichelberger of Bloomington, Illinois, and Darrin Eichelberger of East Peoria, Illinois. Also surviving are five Grandchildren: Alonzo, Myles, & Owen Foster, Mya, and Chaz Eichelberger. Further surviving are two brothers, Donald (Barbara) Eichelberger of Colorado Springs, CO, and Daniel Eichelberger of Mackinaw; one sister, Miriam (James) Polson of Mackinaw.

He had a passion for training his own horses and those of others, & taught many children to ride, including disabled children. He enjoyed farming, as well as cutting down trees to split for firewood. He rode in rodeos on the weekends "just for the thrill of it", during the two and a half years that he lived and worked in a hospital in Phoenix, AZ. His rodeo events were bronc riding and bulldogging (steer wrestling), proof that he was a strong man full of grit. He worked with the race horses at Turf Paradise in Phoenix, and groomed Arabian horses for entertainer Wayne Newton a few times. He had a grooming license. He was an extra in some Western movies, but he was never told which movies or Western TV shows the stock footage would be used in. That was a common practice back then when cowboys were hired for only one day for particular scenes.

In addition to his time farming in Illinois, and working in the hospital in Phoenix, Dave also began his long welding career at Clay Equipment in Morton, before moving on to weld at DMI in Goodfield, then Huffman Farm Supply in Minier where his main job was to climb high to weld on grain legs and bins while dragging a welding lead up with him and wear a heavy toolbelt. He was not afraid of heights! His last employer was Morton Metalcraft (later bought out by Matcor) in Morton, where he worked for 33 years. Dave also had a sideline welding business called Ike's Custom Welding. It wasn't uncommon for his customers to bring him things that other welders wouldn't attempt to weld. He mainly used his portable welder to go to farmers who had an equipment breakdown. There was one time he was called in the wee hours to go to Grimm's Truck Stop in Morton to weld on Country Western singer, Loretta Lynn's, touring bus.

He met his future wife, Kathie, on a trail ride in 1971. They immediately felt a connection. They were married in 1973, raised 3 children, and enjoyed trips to beautiful locations in the US. Those memories will live on for his family.Those who knew Dave (Ike) well remember his outgoing nature, friendly conversation, good sense of humor, and willingness to help those in need. Of all his roles in life, Dave considered his most important to be that of a loving husband, devoted father, and loyal friend. His family was his greatest pride and joy. He made time in his extremely busy work schedule to be a soccer and little league baseball coach, and to attend his daughter's band concerts and competitions. He also enjoyed their school events. 

Dave and his family attended Hopedale Mennonite Church for many years before attending Minier Christian Church after moving to Minier in 2017. He served on the Eureka Etc. Shop Board, was active in promoting and serving at the Mennonite Relief Sales for many years, which included getting up at 3:00 am to go over to start browning the sausage. When there were nearby disasters caused by tornados, he took his chainsaw to help Mennonite Disaster Relief cut up the trees and clear the area. His energy seemed to be boundless! Those are the memories of Dave to cling to.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sat., May 30th at Minier Christian Church. There will be a visitation at the church from 10:00-11:00 am, followed by a service, then a meal at approximately noon. Weather permitting, spreading of Dave's ashes will be done in a field at the family farm in the afternoon. All in attendance are invited to be present, if they so wish. The farm is located north of Mackinaw on Hancock Road.