Date of Death: September 4, 2019
Service Details
A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2019 from 2:00p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the Moorepark Community Church, Three Rivers with Pastor Bud Granger officiating. Interment of cremains will be held following services at Moorepark Cemetery.
Obituary Notice
Joseph “Joe” Neil Eichorn, age 63, of Three Rivers passed away after a brief illness in the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 4, 2019. He was born April 1, 1956 to Floyd and Marnetta (Hooley) Eichorn. Joe worked as a Journeymen Tool and Die Maker at Square D until retiring from General Motors in Grand Rapids, MI, Joe was always into details. From instructing his children and creating lists, to leading Park Township as the Supervisor, Joe enjoyed helping others learn the “work smarter not harder” theory.
Joe married Pamela (Pam) McDonald March 5, 1977 and together they created four wonderful children, Alison Eichorn, Erin (Aaron) Shafer, Adam Eichorn, Eric (Kerri) Eichorn. After many years of 4-H, chores, and living life, two of these children married and added four grandchildren to this family, Cade and Libbi Shafer and Coy and Lainey Eichorn.
Joe, the leader that he was, decided he was going to go first and lead the way. Those left to follow behind are his mother, Marnetta Eichorn, siblings , June Evans, Jay (Evelyn) Eichorn, and Jenny (Bill) Curtis; in-laws Jenny (Bruce) Patterson, Kenneth McDonald, Todd (Christy) McDonald, Keith (Angie) McDonald and many nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by sister, Judy Rachon; father, Floyd Eichorn; mother-in-law, Priscilla (Dottie) McDonald, and father-in-law, Paul McDonald.
Joe was known by his family for his quick wit and one liners…quotes from movies or some he would just make up
“You’re in it now… up to your necks.”
“Go teach your grandmother to suck eggs.”
“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—”
“Get your ashes out of here.”
And one quote your wife did not totally care for, you had the last word on that also. “Bend over grab your ankles and kiss your (butt) goodbye”. You win…love.. You win.
You will be missed Joe. It was an honor to be your wife. I’ll always “be your huckleberry”.
Additional Information
Donations in memory of Joe may be directed to Moorepark Community Church or the Pregnancy Center of Three Rivers. Envelopes available at the funeral home or church.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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I worked with Joe many years ago at Tractor Supply when it opened we had many laughs and lots of time together so sorry for your loss he was a great coworker and person God Bless..
Pam and family
I just found out about Joe passing. I understand he was ill for a very short time. You and your family must feel numb, but I know with your faith you will see Joe again. Until then Pam …you take care of yourself.
My prayers,
Arlene Parsons and Family
Pam,
Lifting you and your family in prayer. I’m trusting the Lord to carry all of you peacefully through this challenging time. May Joe’s zeal for life live on in each of you and in the warm memories you have made as a family. Love and prayers, Tina Marie Brown
Pam,
So hard to be halfway around the world in your time of loss. May the love of your family and friends and all the heartfelt thoughts and prayers carry you through the next weeks of adjustment.
May you feel the enfolding presence of God lifting you and allowing you to see and hear from a higher plane. May you be totally free to be wholly you when it is only Him and find all He is for you in every moment.
All my love and prayers.
Dearest Pam and Family ~
We were so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Such a wonderful tribute to him. We send our deepest sympathy and love. Please know we are keeping you all close in our thoughts, prayers, and sorry we could not be there, but we are with you in spirit. May His peace overshadow you and you feel His comfort as He keeps you all under the shadow of His wing in Him, With much love. Shalom ~
Dear Pam, my love and prayers are with you and your dear family. I have carried you in my heart daily and wish I was close enough to hug you. You are being hugged from afar. I wish I would have know your Joe. He sounds so sweet, funny, wise and loving. Just like you! God made you both strong on the inside and outside. I’m grateful for those who are there that you can lean on when that strength wanes or you just need a big hug. I love you and will continue to carry you in my prayers. ???
Reaching toward you and your family Pam. Deeply sorry for all that you have been through and now the absence of Joe. I am longing to put my arms around you and just sit there in silence caring … praying God would whisk away the stress, pain, hardship and all those difficult emotions I cannot describe in words as soon as is possible, restoring the soul.
Pam and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We did t know Joe, but this tribute paints a picture of love and honor. May God’s love surround you as you gather and lean on one another. We love you and will continue to pray.
The Aglow Muskegon Leadership Team
Joe will always be remembered as a strong man of faith. Our hearts go out to your entire family. Praying for strength, peace and memories full of joy.
Joe was a strong man of faith and character we have always admired him and respected him for standing up for what he believed .Its been a honor and privilege to know you both and your family over the years . Our hearts are knit with yours and we express our heart felt sorrow at Joes departing. May Father God strengthen you in the days ahead . You all are in our prayers- we thank God for the confidence we have of seeing Joe again.
So sad to hear of your loss Pam, Sending condolences and prayers for you and your family,
Love Nonnie x
Aglow International Britain
My prayers are with Joe’s soul and his family and friends. It was an honor to work with Joe on regional matters. He was a great township supervisor and his strength of character and integrity should remain the gold standard for all who serve their neighbors in public office in St. Joseph County. We could really have used his leadership for another 40 years, but, as an advocate in Heaven, he has the King’s ear now and I’m sure he will be putting in a good word for us.
Rob Sisson
Former Mayor, City of Sturgis
Dear Pam, your family is in our thoughts and prayers. With love, Pat Cook Schmidt (daughter of Carlton Cook) Tecumseh
Pam, Our sincere sympathy to you. We are holding you and your family up in our prayers. May the peace of Christ surround and comfort you. May His quiet presence sustain & strengthen you at this time and throughout the days to come.
Dear Pam .. My prayers are with you and the family. My the comfort of the Holy Spirit move in a fill all the empty spaces. Will trust God With you for your new season…
Blessings
Naomi Dowdy
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. Wish I’d known him. He sounds so much like Chuck., Pam…even the one-liners. We share the same wedding year too. I didn’t realize that. My heart and prayers and love are with you and your dear children and grandchildren. I know he has made an impact on many and will be greatly missed. Much love to you.
So sad to read this news. I sense the memories of Joe will live on in the hearts of many here on earth. May your hearts rejoice in the morning knowing where this man dwells today – eternity is much fuller today because he has arrived. Praying for the family. JoAnne Meckstroth
My deepest sympathies for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss Pam. What an amazing journey you two have had – from that most beautiful wedding through all the loving and family and seasons of life. I am so sorry you lost him so soon and so glad you have such a wonderful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours
Pam and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I am holding you close in my prayers and know that God’s loving arms are wrapped tightly around all of you.
Col 2:5-7 For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.
6¶ So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,
7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.
..
And therefore, I know He is able to be Himself, Lord of all peace and comfort amoung you far, far beyond what anyone can ever comprehend and explain or explain away. This is my prayer for Joe’s wife, Pamela, family and friends.
So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Bob and Anita Stanford
Pam:
We are sending our love and prayers to you in this season as you carry on Joe’s legacy of love. May we hold your arms up and help you keep marching into the Father’s Glory. We love you, Pam. Love Laurie, Colette, Liberty and the whole tribe of Cincinnati Aglow.
I m so sorry for the loss of your husband Pamela. May our Father in heaven wrap His arms round you and your family and breath His peace and comfort into each of you.
Thoughts and prayers with you all.
Pam, i am so sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in my prayers. I have walked this path and have known the Lord in a different way than ever before. He is so faithful to us in our everyday needs. May He who is the comforter, wrap you in His loving arms and hold you tight! Blessings and love,
Lois Koss♥️
Pam and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your family’s loss.
Pam and family, know you have our thoughts and prayers during this time of transition.
May God‘s grace and peace envelope you all as you say your goodbyes for now and go through the services and then transition to your new normal .
Prayers and blessings,
Doug and Pam Carr
Much Love & prayers to the family
Steve & Phyllis (Bargo) Fox
Aglow International
Pam I’m so sad to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband…. praying for you and your family and all who loved Joe. x
Much love
Glenys Macdonald (Aglow International)
I’ve known Joe most of my life having grown up just a couple miles apart. He had great parents that taught him well.
As a youngster I enjoyed watching his dad work his horses which Joe mastered all those skills.
At The Centerville fair Joe was happy while visiting and teaching young ones it showed !
He was a great example to many and certainly entertaining to listen to.
Our thoughts and prayers to Pam and all his family as they try to live each day without him
Praying for the family. I will always remember spending the night with Jenny, telling ghost stories at bedtime. Joe was always the one who crept up the stairs and scared us half to death. I know he will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. Joe was a great guy and you have a wonderful family. I will be praying for you all.
Love you Joe. You will be missed. Kay
We’ll miss you Joe – from Sqaure D to General Motors, we had a long working friendship . Rest in peace my friend.
Hard to believe 37 years of memories: eating headcheese at a church marriage retreat, the plastic pool seahorse, euchre partys, all the church activities-none would have been the same with out Joe. I expect Joe will be helping St. Peter be more efficient at the Pearly Gates.
Our prayers, love and deepest sympathy to Pam and their children and grandchildren. We will miss you Joe.