Ronald James Eichstaedt

Sep 22, 2014

Star Prairie, Wisconsin

Ron Eichstaedt age 68 of rural Star Prairie passed away on September 22, 2014 at his home. Ronald James Eichstaedt was born on March 24, 1946 in Sheboygan Wisconsin the son of Gustave and Margaret (Lampe) Eichstaedt. He grew up in Sheboygan graduating from North High School in 1964. Ron graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 1968. Upon graduation Ron entered Peace Corps training at San Diego State University. He spent 3 years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kingston Jamaica where he developed vocational rehabilitation programs for developmentally disabled children and young adults. In 1973 Ron received his Master’s Degree in Behavioral Disabilities with an area of study in rehabilitation facilities from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Ron dedicated his life to creating meaningful work for people with disabilities. On March 25, 1973 Ron married Carol Gehant in Reno, NV. Ron and Carol met while both were Peace Corps Volunteers in Jamaica, West Indies. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Ann Schlegel and brother-in-law, Robert Schlegel. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Carol; daughters, Kay Eichstaedt (fiancé Tim Platz) of Woodbury, MN, Kris Moeller (Gene) of Madison, WI and Kari Koehler (Jon) of Belle Plaine, MN; sister, Sharon Garcia (Aniceto) of Sheboygan; nieces Anita and Amanda Garcia; nephews, Andy Jr., Eloy, Javier, and Gabriel Garcia, Jim Schlegel (Dawn) of West Bend, WI. and Jon Schlegel of Christ Church of New Zealand; Ron is also survived by his father-in law and mother-in-law, Robert and Bernice Oliver of Arizona City, AZ. Ron began his vocational career in 1973 as a work counselor for 2 years at Clearbrook Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. From 1975 to 1980 Ron was employed as a Rehabilitation Coordinator at Opportunity Personal Developmental Center in Prairie du Chien, WI. In 1980 Ron began work with St. Croix County Health and Human Services as Director of St. Croix Industries a county operated vocational program. He retired in 2008 after 28 years of service. Ron was a quiet, soft spoken and private individual. Ron was an active member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Amery, WI where he served on the Board of Stewardship, taught Sunday school and was a church usher. Funeral Service 1:00 pm Saturday September 27, 2014 at Redeemer Lutheran 600 Keller Ave S Amery, WI. Visitation one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials to Redeemer Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.