Allen Eichhorst

ALLEN WILLIAM EICHHORST, age 85 of Waseca, died on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Born in Freeborn County on July 10, 1933, Allen was the son of Wilhelm and Alma (Schwarz) Eichhorst.  He was baptized at his family’s home in 1933 and was later confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Waldorf in 1946.  He attended school in Waldorf and graduated with the class of 1951.  He then continued his education at the Mankato Teacher’s College, graduating in 1955.  Allen taught Jr. High English at Pemberton from 1955 until 1957.  During those years he also enjoyed serving as the B-Squad basketball and baseball coach.  In 1958 Allen enlisted in the Army and served with the 46th Artillery Group (Redstone) at Fort Sill, OK, until his honorable discharge in 1964.  Allen married Janette Marie Evans in Waseca in 1963.  They later divorced.  Allen taught at Hector from 1960 until 1966, again serving as basketball coach.  Allen taught at Farmington from 1966 until 1969.  During that time he earned his master’s degree and became a Guidance Counselor.  In 1973 he purchased a 128-acre farm north of Waseca where he continued to work until his retirement.  In 2017 Allen was inducted into the JWP Athletic Hall of Fame for his role as Assistant Coach of the Pemberton boy’s basketball team in 1957.  He loved following Waseca Bluejay sports and was a dedicated fan of the Detroit Tigers.  He was a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waseca where he taught confirmation classes and worked as custodian for many years.  He was also very active with the Lutheran Layman’s League.

Allen is survived by three children, Jeffrey (Christine) Eichhorst of St. Paul, Julie (Paul) Evans of North Mankato, and Jodi (Robert) Passer of Wells; six grandchildren, Kevin, Katelyn, David, Michael, Madison, and Ethan; two brothers, Dean (Annabelle) Eichhorst of Shakopee, and Willie (Barb) Eichhorst of Waldorf; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 2-5PM on Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waseca, and will continue for one hour before the service at the church on Monday.

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