Frank Joseph Eichenlaub III
February 2nd, 1942 - September 2nd, 2024
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Frank's Obituary
Frank Joseph Eichenlaub III, of St. Joseph, died September 2, 2024, of a fall from his bike on the way to South Haven.
He lived with his wife, Patricia, in St. Joseph for 19 years, after retiring from teaching in 2005. He could often be seen walking, swimming, biking, or community building everywhere he went. If it didn’t exist in St. Joe, he created it, like The Men’s Club and the Berrien Paddlers. He is known for his bright-colored clothes, endless curiosity, constant motion, love of travel, and joy of learning.
He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 57 years, as well as his daughter, Adrianne, and his son, Frank Joseph IV. Grandchildren who delighted in fun adventures with him are Kelsey Kerstetter, JoJo (Frank Joseph) Eichenlaub V, Caden Eichenlaub, Eden Eichenlaub, and Luke Kerstetter.
He was raised by his Grandparents, Lena, Frank Joseph II, and Dorothy Eichenlaub. He
attended Randolph Macon Academy, a private military boarding school in Virginia. Upon
graduating, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. While serving in Turkey, he met his soon-to-be bride, Patricia. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree from Utah State and a Master’s degree from Western Michigan.
Frank worked as a special education teacher, a child protective service worker, and a cook who also taught culinary skills to others. The job he loved most was operating a fruit stand in downtown Detroit during the summer when his children were much younger. The responsibility he cherished most was putting his wife through seminary during the tumultuous days when the ordination of women was beginning.
He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Frank requested a joyful remembrance for those he loved to gather and honor his life by sharing funny and special stories. Please join us for a wake on October 12, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. where people can arrive/leave at any time, followed by a prayer service for those wanting to stay, ending at 2 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 1753 Union Avenue in Benton Harbor.
Instead of flowers or donations, please bring a can of food for the church’s food bank.
He lived with his wife, Patricia, in St. Joseph for 19 years, after retiring from teaching in 2005. He could often be seen walking, swimming, biking, or community building everywhere he went. If it didn’t exist in St. Joe, he created it, like The Men’s Club and the Berrien Paddlers. He is known for his bright-colored clothes, endless curiosity, constant motion, love of travel, and joy of learning.
He is survived by Patricia, his wife of 57 years, as well as his daughter, Adrianne, and his son, Frank Joseph IV. Grandchildren who delighted in fun adventures with him are Kelsey Kerstetter, JoJo (Frank Joseph) Eichenlaub V, Caden Eichenlaub, Eden Eichenlaub, and Luke Kerstetter.
He was raised by his Grandparents, Lena, Frank Joseph II, and Dorothy Eichenlaub. He
attended Randolph Macon Academy, a private military boarding school in Virginia. Upon
graduating, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. While serving in Turkey, he met his soon-to-be bride, Patricia. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree from Utah State and a Master’s degree from Western Michigan.
Frank worked as a special education teacher, a child protective service worker, and a cook who also taught culinary skills to others. The job he loved most was operating a fruit stand in downtown Detroit during the summer when his children were much younger. The responsibility he cherished most was putting his wife through seminary during the tumultuous days when the ordination of women was beginning.
He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Frank requested a joyful remembrance for those he loved to gather and honor his life by sharing funny and special stories. Please join us for a wake on October 12, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. where people can arrive/leave at any time, followed by a prayer service for those wanting to stay, ending at 2 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 1753 Union Avenue in Benton Harbor.
Instead of flowers or donations, please bring a can of food for the church’s food bank.
Memorial Contributions
Instead of flowers or donations, please bring a can of food for the church’s food bank
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.