Eichenlaub

Kenneth J. Eichenlaub, 87, formerly of Orchard Avenue in Butler, died early Wednesday morning at Fairwinds Manor in Sarver.

He was born Dec. 14, 1920, a son of the late Herman B. and Stella Heasley Eichenlaub.

Ken had retired from the Weld Shop at the Butler Armco plant, where he had been employed for 45 years. During his time at Armco, he participated in many welding schools and training classes and had been an instructor in blueprint reading classes.

He was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Butler, was a life honorary member of the Knights of Columbus, Butler Council 866, a charter member of the Herman Volunteer Fire Department, a life member of the National Rifle Association and the Butler City Hunting and Fishing Club; and a life member of the Roman Catholic Men's Club. He had been active in scouting for many years in the Butler area. He had been a scoutmaster, institutional coordinator and scouting commissioner for more than 10 years, and the religious training coordinator. He had been awarded the Silver Beaver Award, which is the highest adult honor in scouting, and the St. George Award, the highest Catholic scout award.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II, Mr. Eichenlaub served in the South Pacific. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 249 in Butler.

He is survived by a son, Brian K. Eichenlaub of East Butler; two daughters, Stella Frenchak and her husband, Peter, and Marsha Thomas and her husband, Charles, all of Butler; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Ruth Aiken Eichenlaub; two brothers; a sister; and a daughter, Judith Mellish, who died April 1, 2008.

<B>EICHENLAUB —</B> Friends of Kenneth J. Eichenlaub, who died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the <B>GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME,</B> 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Peters Catholic Church, 127 Franklin St., Butler. The Rev. Pierre Falkenhan, pastor, will officiate. Military honors will follow accorded by the Ceremonial Honor Squad of the VFW Post 249 of Butler. Private burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Herman.The Women's Council of St. Peters will recite the Rosary at 9:40 a.m. Saturday at the church.Additional information can be found and condolence messages placed at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.