Gary Duane Eichel

Gary Eichel, 61, of Apex, NC and formerly of Parker, SD went home to be with his beloved Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 2, 2009 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. Memorial services will be at 11:00am Saturday, August 15, 2009 with burial in Rosehill Cemetery, Parker. Arrangements by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home, Parker, SD. Gary Duane Eichel was born on January 16, 1948 at Viborg, SD to Helga (Andersen) and William E. Eichel. He grew up on the family farm near Parker with his older brothers Bill and Jim, graduating from Parker High School. Following high school he attended Nettleton Technical Institute in Columbus, NE where he earned his Certificate in Architectural and Civil Drafting and Surveying. He furthered his education at the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1972 with a BS in Construction Science. While in Nebraska, Gary was inducted into the Sigma Tau and Sigma Lambda Chi engineering honoraries and also served as a Young Life leader. Over the next seven years Gary perfected his building skills, working in residential construction and building custom homes in Denver, CO. After moving to Chapel Hill, NC he spent three years working with his brother Jim in their remodeling business. In 1985 he married Elizabeth Wright and they moved to Dallas, TX. Gary served as a construction superintendent for Wycliffe Associates, overseeing the work and spiritual growth of volunteers. He supervised the construction of a computer office building, as well as a housing project for Wycliffe missionaries. In 1987, Gary and Betsy moved back to North Carolina where their four children, Michelle, Sarah, Lydia, and David were born. They family relocated to South Dakota in 1993, where Gary farmed for fourteen years with his brother, Bill and also continued working as a construction contractor. After Bill retired from farming, Gary and the family moved to Apex, NC where they have resided for the past two years. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Elizabeth (Betsy); four children, Michelle, Sarah, Lydia, and David; his mother Helga, Parker, SD; brothers Bill, Parker,and Jim and his wife Lori, Chapel Hill, NC; three nieces; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, William E. Eichel. Condolences may be sent to Betsy Eichel, 510 Cameron Glen Drive, Apex, NC, 27502.