Gerald A. Eichhorst. August 4, 1925 - November 19, 2013. On Tuesday, November 19, 2013, with his loving and devoted wife, Alice, by his side, Gerald Eichhorst passed away peacefully to meet his Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ in heaven at the age of 88. For over two months Gerald had been hospitalized between two hospitals - Saskatoon and Yorkton - where Alice rarely left his side. Before his last stay at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre where he succumbed to his illness, Gerald was able to be at home for two weeks where Alice cared for him. Gerald is survived by his wife, Alice (Huber), with whom he shared 59 years of married life; sisters, Betty Eichhorst of Abbotsford, BC, Doris (Jacobo) Tohme of Chicago, IL, USA Elaine Penner of Steinbach, MB, Grace Lee of Winnipeg, MB; one brother, Bill (Patty) Eichhorst of Steinbach, MB; sister-in-law, Irma (Tom) Wood (formerly Irma Eichhorst). He is also survived by six nieces and twelve nephews. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Rudolf and Edith (Jonat) Eichhorst; one sister, Berdina, in infancy, an older brother, Alfred; two older sisters, Frieda Nygren and Alice Knodel; brothers-in-law, Henry Schroeder, Abraham Penner, James Lee, Allen Nygren and Alfred Knodel. Gerald was born on August 4, 1925, the fourth child of ten children born to Rudolf and Edith Eichhorst. His birth took place at the family farm north of Orcadia, as did most of his other siblings. He attended West Ebenezer Baptist Church with his family and it was there he came to know the Lord as a young teenager. His baptism took place in the river near the farm. One of his responsibilities was going to the church early on Sunday to start the fire, so that the church was warm for the upcoming service. Gerald was close to all his siblings, however, he and his sister, Betty shared a special bond and were close friends in their teenage years. When Betty was in Nurses' training, Gerald often visited and shared with Betty his plans for the future and any problems he faced. When Betty left for Africa, it was more difficult to communicate, but she will remember him always as a kind man. For his public schooling, Gerald attended Grunert School - a one-room school - to grade ten. Later at the age of 24 he enrolled at Millar College of the Bible in Pamburn, SK, where he attended for one year. This year in Bible School was a great blessing in Gerald's life and he was greatly encouraged by this experience. In the summer of 1953 Central Baptist Church in Yorkton was hosting the NAB Conference. The Huber parents, along with their daughter, Alice, were billeted at the Rudolf Eichhorst farm. It was there that Gerald and Alice met, became acquainted and continued to correspond back and forth. Love did blossom and they were married on October 23, 1954 at Grace Baptist Church in Medicine Hat, AB. During their years of marriage, they farmed the land together, raised cattle, geese and tended garden. Gerald took good care of the land. Their interests included watching the Yorkton Terriers Hockey Team, watching other sports on television, travelling to visit their relatives and especially sightseeing. Gerald and Alice saw themselves much the same, quiet but very close to one another. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 from Heritage Baptist Church in Yorkton, SK with Pastor Brian Kirsch officiating. The organist, Darlene Nelson, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "How Great Thou Art" and "Just a Closer Walk with Thee". Trio, Christel Derow, Grace Goltz and Geraldine Goltz shared two selections, "Heaven Will Surely Be Worth it All" and "Saved By Grace". The Interment Service followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Yvonne Schroeder, Bev Nygren, Ron and Carol Reimer and Myron and Shelly Knodel serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
