Kirk Lee Eichmann, age 43, a resident of Manitowoc went peacefully to his heavenly home on Monday, February 21st, with his loving family and beloved puppy by his side at home, after courageously battling cancer since 2019.
Kirk was born on October 9, 1978 to Corrine (Strzyewski) and the late Jerry Eichmann, of Manitowoc. He grew up in Manitowoc, graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1997, and earned his Journeyman Tool and Die degree from Lakeshore Technical College. On May 7, 2005, Kirk married the love of his life, April Borchardt at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Manitowoc. Kirk had a work ethic like no other. An expert tool & die maker and machinist, he was a long-time employee of Manitowoc Tool and Machine. Kirk transitioned to a sales engineer as part of Gosiger (wholesale seller of Haas CNC equipment and automation systems) in early 2019, where he found his niche and passion, serving in an industry that he devoted his professional life to.
Kirk’s unwavering faith called him to serve as an active board member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Manitowoc. He served the congregation in many capacities, including one of his favorite roles, Sunday School teacher.
As a young boy, Kirk learned everything he knew about fishing from his father Jerry, who captained the Lake Michigan fishing charter service, The Unpredictable. Kirk was an involved member of the Northeast Wisconsin Great Lakes Sports Fisherman club, through which he participated in numerous community service opportunities and celebrated a number of successes, including Sportfisherman of the Year.
Kirk’s devotion to his family was unparalleled. He made the most of each and every day of his life as a proud and loving husband, father, uncle, brother, son and friend; who forged special relationships with those he loved. He most enjoyed traveling with his beautiful family, taking them on trips of a lifetime to many of our national parks. Kirk loved spending time outdoors, boating, sunset pontoon rides, hunting in the Northwoods, snowmobiling, and fishing with his family and friends. He was passionate about supporting his children, be it on a court, the stage, the field or on-the-job. Kirk spent a number of years coaching youth baseball and softball as part of the Newton Youth Sports organization.
Kirk eagerly shared his gifts and talents as a craftsman. He was always the first to lend a helping hand and could fix anything and everything. Kirk enjoyed working on projects around his home and his family’s treasured lake retreat on English Lake. Always up for an adventure (“my-as-well”), Kirk had an innate ability to bring the fun wherever he went. His tenacious love for life was infectious and inspiring. Kirk taught those around him to be brave and to be fearless in the pursuit of the things they loved.
Survivors include Kirk’s loving wife of 16 years, April; sons, Landon and Talon; daughter, Calla; mother, Corrine Eichmann; brother, Nick (Katie) Eichmann, niece and nephew, Eva and Gabe; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ron and Bev Borchardt; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jason and Angela (Borchardt) Lettenberger; niece and nephews, Owen, Gavin, Nolan and Kendall; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joel and Stephanie (Borchardt) Harris, niece and nephew, Arie and Levi; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Matt and Kathy Borchardt; and nieces, Meghan, Lauren, and Erin. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1712 Menasha Avenue, Manitowoc. Rev. Zachary DeArmond will officiate with cremation to follow at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel at a later date. Following the funeral service, a reception for relatives and friends will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Friday, February 25, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The visitation will continue on Saturday at Redeemer Lutheran Church from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Kirk’s name.
April, Kirk and their family would like to thank Dr. Deming, his nurse Annika and the Oncology team at the Carbone Cancer Center at the University of Wisconsin for the compassionate care and support provided throughout Kirk’s journey. They’d also like to thank Pastor Zachary DeArmond of Redeemer Lutheran Church for his spiritual comfort and support, especially in recent days.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
