Robert G. Eichhorn

Robert G. Eichhorn, 94, of Galesburg, died at 3:15 a.m., Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Seminary Manor.

 

He was born October 29, 1922, in Peoria, the son of A.O. and Della (Wolpert) Eichhorn.  He married Mary E. Catcott on December 13, 1941 in Palmyra, Missouri.

 

He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Mary; a son, Thomas L. Eichhorn (and Sara) of Newport Beach and Rancho Mirage, California; two daughters, Priscilla (and Robert) Lindstrom of Galesburg and Barbara (and Mel) Koffman of Colorado Springs, Colorado; six grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Scott Matthew Lindstrom; three brothers; and one sister.

 

He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1941 to 1945.

 

He graduated from Bradley University Horology School in 1945 and was a jewelry instructor there for many years.  He first worked in Galesburg at O’Dells Jewelers for 10 years and opened his own store, Eichhorn Jewelers, in 1956.  He especially liked working with diamonds and completed the course work to become a member of the American Gem Society as a registered gemologist.  He took special pride in providing excellent and honest service to all his customers who often became good friends.  He and Mary continue their store ownership under the management of longtime employee and friend, Chuck Melton.

 

He was a member of the American Gem Society, the Downtown Retail Association, the Illinois Retail Association, the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Galesburg Exchange Club, where he was past president. He was an avid golfer and member of the Soangetaha Country Club and past member of the Island Country Club of Marco Island, Florida where he and Mary spent many winters.

 

Visitation will be 4-6pm Tuesday, April 4^th at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Home and the funeral will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, April 5^th at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Chapel, Galesburg.  Rev. Michel Clark will officiate.  Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Soangetaha Memorial Tree Planting Fund or to the Galesburg Community Foundation.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.