Howard Meade Eichstaedt

Howard Meade Eichstaedt - EICHSTAEDT, HOWARD MEADE, Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired" Entered into rest peacefully, June 26, 2008, at his Santa Rosa, CA residence, with his family by his side. Dearly beloved sixty-four year husband of Elnora M. Eichstaedt of Santa Rosa, CA. Loving father of Robert Eichstaedt of Larkspur, Kurt (Chris Bekins) Eichstaedt of Sebastopol, Sharilyn (David) Bunce of Santa Rosa, Alan (Sharon McPherson) Eichstaedt of Santa Rosa and Kenneth (Amanda) Eichstaedt of Olema. Cherished grandfather of Stephen W. Bunce, Shantel Person and Annie Bekins. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A native of Chicago, IL, age 90 years. Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Teresa (Pieper) Eichstaedt and his only brother, Robert Eichstaedt. Howard had a sharp mind even into his final days and a sense of humor that had his friends, family and caregivers laughing. He was much respected for his patriotism. He retired from the U.S. Army Reserves as a Colonel after thirty years of active and reserve duty. His active service duty during WWII in the European Theater on the railroads was one of his best interests. He considered the military phase of his life a priceless experience. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, he used his degree throughout his life-long profession, working on many transportation projects in the Bay Area including the Alameda Tube and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge before launching on a successful career that took him and his family overseas. Throughout his life, Howard made many friends and happy people. He will be missed by all who were touched by his smile and wit. Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a Funeral Liturgy Service at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at the LAFFERTY & SMITH COLONIAL CHAPEL (4321 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, CA, 95409). Committal Service with Veterans Honors will follow at the Veterans Memorial Park, 90-1st Street W., Sonoma, CA, 95476. LAFFERTY & SMITH COLONIAL CHAPEL will provide visitation in the Fireside Room from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 2, 2008. As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions in Howards name be made to the American Cancer Society, 1451 Guerneville Road; Suite 220, Santa Rosa, CA, 95403. Arrangements entrusted to: LAFFERTY & SMITH COLONIAL CHAPEL, Directors (707)539-2921