William E. Eichholtz
William E. Eichholtz, 90, of Butler went to be with his Lord peacefully with his family by his side at 10 a.m. Monday, Memorial Day, in the VNA Inpatient Hospice.
He was born June 20, 1921, in Zelienople, to the late Ervin Eichholtz and Ada Leonberg Eichholtz.
Bill was well known as “Ike,” and he served his country as a medic in the U.S. Army during World War II. After his years of service to his country, he was a member of the American Legion Post 474 in Zelienople for 67 years. He was employed at the Butler VA Medical Center, now VA Butler Healthcare, as a nursing assistant for 44 years and played an instrumental role in establishing the current VA Medical Center.
As a youth, he played multiple instruments in Eddie Frazier's band in Beaver Falls with the late Henry Mancini. He also spent much of his time playing in the Butler Symphony Orchestra and sang in the Butler Symphony Choir. Bill was an active member of the St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church and the church choir. He volunteered at Katie's Kitchen. He was a member of the Meridian Vets Club, the Meridian Community Choir and the MORA Club.
Mr. Eichholtz is survived by one son, Paul Eichholtz of Butler; one daughter, Cathy Gaiser of Karns City; and three grandchildren, Dr. Nathaniel Gaiser and Daniel Gaiser, both of Karns City, and Meghan Serafine of Chicora.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Catherine Baca Eichholtz, who he married Nov. 24, 1951, and who passed away April 2, 2005; and one brother, Harold Eichholtz of Zelienople.
The family of William Eichholtz would like to thank the VNA Inpatient Hospice, VA Adult Day Care and Life Steps Adult Day Care.
Eichholtz — Friends of William E. Eichholtz, who passed away Monday, May 28, 2012, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler. Funeral services will follow immediately at 8 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Alden Towberman of St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating.Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in McKees Rocks.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to VNA Inpatient Hospice, 115 Technology Drive, Butler, PA 16001.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.
