Ronald "Ron" Lee Eichholz

Ronald "Ron" Lee Eichholz, 77, of Jefferson City, passed on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, in McAllen, Texas. He was born on July 9, 1943, in Westphalia, Missouri, a son of the late Clem and Bernadine (Scheppers) Eichholz. Ron was united in marriage to Patricia "Pat" Natsch on October 16, 1965, in Jefferson City. He was a 1961 graduate of Fatima High School. In 1962 he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving with 5th Marines and deploying in support of the Cuban Blockade and to Okinawa until his honorable discharge in 1965. He began working for National Cash Register (NCR) on his return home and retired from the company in 2001 after 35 years. After he retired, he rediscovered his love of woodworking and built furniture, eventually turning wooden bowls and pens. He enjoyed gifting them and would never accept money for his creations. Most importantly, he loved making memories with his family. In 2017, he moved back to the area and was happiest when spending time with his brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed. Ron is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia Eichholz; children, Jeff Eichholz (Kristen) and Christina Rowe (Doug); brothers, Eddie Eichholz (Vernie), Norman Eichholz (Alice) and Jerry Eichholz; sister, Jo Ann Mertz (Ronnie); grandchildren, Jae, Jacob, and Jonathan Eichholz, and Connor and Hannah Rowe. He was preceded in death by his children, Scott and Angie Eichholz; brothers, Stanley, Charlie and Bob Eichholz; sisters, Judy Eichholz, Marilyn Linnenbrink and Betty Lepper. Family and friends will be received on Friday, April 9, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Hilke-Millard Funeral Chapel in Westphalia, with prayer service beginning at 5:00 p.m. Memorial Mass will be Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Anthony Viviano officiating. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Parish Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Semper Fi Fund in his honor. Arrangements are under the direction of Hilke-Millard Funeral Home, 101 Linn Street, Westphalia, MO 65085, (573) 455-2424. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com.