Is this really happening? Obituary and Tribute Information: 1944 - 2011

It has been five days and it still doesn't seen real that my Daddy has left this Earth to join the angels and God above.

Below is the link to the amazing funeral home that has helped us through this difficult ordeal. Blount and Curry Funeral Home - Carrolwood; Funeral Director Kathryn. Here you will find his obituary, a video tribute/slideshow, areas to leave a memory, sign the guest book, download and view pictures and also memorial service arrangements:

William "Ron" Eichman - Obituary and Tribute

The obituary reads the same but we had it posted in the following papers:

St. Pete Times Obituary - William "Ron" Eichman

Winona Daily News (Winona. MN)

La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, WI)

Trempealeau County Times (Trempealeau, WI) - this is where my Daddy grew up

Sunday, August 14th we will gather with friends from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. The memorial celebration of life will begin at 4 p.m. and run about an hour. It is going to be an amazing celebration and I'm so excited to celebrate my Daddy's life with this wonderful event we have planned in honor of him. I won't spoil any surprises as I hope to see you there. It will be held in Tampa, FL at the Blount and Curry FuneralHome - Carrolwood at 3207 W. Bearss Ave.

Tomorrow family and friends arrive. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. My uncles, Tom and Pick, aunts, Phylis and Vickie, Pam and Dorothy, from Minnesota and Wisconsin and family friends Phyllis and Patsy from Texas. Also, my 93-year-old Gramps is coming, too, who I'm very excited to see. When he found out my Daddy died he said, "I lost my boy." and then im and my uncle went to Granny's grave. And, anyone that has told me they are coming just makes my heart melt with joy.

I've never lost anyone very close to me and in six weeks I lost the only grandmother I've even known, who was an amazing, caring working and my Daddy, who is just irreplaceable and I still can't believe is gone.

I'm overwhelmed with joy by all the flowers, plants, thoughtful messages, "sorrys," and prayers for my Daddy and my family as we try to make it through this tough time. Thank you everyone!! My mom and sister and I are having a hard time with this. My Mommy knew Daddy since she was 15 ... I wish he the strength she needs to get through this as she won't sleep in the bed and just lays on top of it along the bottom with my Daddy's clothes laid down that he was supposed to wear home from the hospital. I have nightmares each night sinc I watched my Daddy die that fateful Monday morning.

I'm afraid that after everyone is gone come Tuesday that we all may crash and burn and this aweful reality may hit us ... please pray for strength for my sisters, mom and me. Daddy, I know you're up there with your mom, brother, and everyone and all the angels with Jesus watching over us. The card I got to go with my Daddy was ... "God and I have something special in common ... we both love you very much!" ...but I'm jealous God gets to have you now, Daddy. We all selfishly wish you were still with us physically but know that you are watching and guiding us from above now. We have a special memorial for you Sunday and so many people are coming but I will remember and miss you each and every day.

My sister, Tonya, put together these poems:

"God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not meant to be, so he put
his arms around you and whispered "Come with me". With tearful eyes we
watched you as we saw you pass away. Although we love you deeply, we could
not make you stay. Your golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands
at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us - He only takes the best. REST IN PEACE DADDY! #LiveStrong!"

After...
So lonely…seems surreal – You have left us forever
Feeling numb – almost no pain - so afraid to face it
Knowing that you would want me to be strong
Knowing I need to be strong
Knowing that if I break – others will break - Not an option!
Keep going back in time – so many memories – no one can take then away from me
Not even the evil disease that took you
Nothing will come between us – We will be even stronger now!
No more suffering – no more pain – No more fear of the uncertain and unknown
You are free Daddy – You are Free!!

I put together this one, roughly:

Do not weep for now I'm gone
Smile because of how I lived
Don't be saddened by all that's lost
Be comforted by all I provided
I will see you again, though I hope not too soon
Til then, live your life in honor of me
For now I get to watch from above, my heart will swoon

I love and miss you, Daddy

Such a cute 1944 baby!

My Daddy was Prom King, played football, basketball and baseball and was Vice President of the Letterman's Club all his Senior Year :-)

I love you, Daddy!