February 9, 1933 - March 11, 2025
Walter Lyle Eichenberger, of West Des Moines, formerly of Lakota, passed away on March 11, 2025. Walter was born on Feb. 9, 1933, the youngest child of Robert and Mamie (Priebe) Eichenberger. Walter grew up on a farm north of Bancroft and graduated from Lakota High School. He married Berneice (Wertjes) Eichenberger, his high school sweetheart on April 18, 1953, in Blue Earth, Minn. Walter said that he was the luckiest man in the world to have married a woman so beautiful inside and out. Soon after their wedding they moved to Aberdeen, Md. Walter served his country in the Army and taught tank engine repair. They returned to farm near Lakota after his military service. There Walter farmed and raised livestock. Walter always said how he loved the feel of the soil in his hands when spring would arrive each year.
Walter’s pastime was visiting with family and friends, family vacations, and trading stocks and commodities. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed nothing more than watching the Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball teams.
Walter is survived by his three daughters, Denise Eichenberger of Bancroft, Debra (Matt) Menke of Clive and Ann (Steve) Schwery of Clive; 12 grandchildren: Deanna (Pat) Klopf, Jenny (Kenny) Gauley, Amanda Gisch, Daniel Gisch, Alyssa Gisch, Ethan (Allison) Gisch, Miranda Gisch, Andrea (Aaron) Montag, Brandon (Krissy) Menke, Chad Menke, Abbey (David) Galligan and Nathan Schwery; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Berneice; his parents Robert and Mamie Eichenberger; brothers Ernest, Bernard, Lloyd and Robert Eichenberger; and sister Lucille Reese.
Public visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 29 at Faith Lutheran Church in Clive with services to follow at 10:30 a.m. A graveside service will be held at the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Lakota following the services.
The family expresses sincere gratitude to all of the members at Hospice of the Midwest (especially Amanda RN, Nicole, Veronica, Steve and Jenna) and Cedar Ridge Village (especially Shelly, Nick, Lisa and Kathy). They opened their hearts and gave our dad the best care that we could have ever wished for.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines is handling arrangements.