Allan Bert Eich was born March 14, 1935 in Carroll, Iowa, the son of Bert and Mamie (Popp) Eich. He attended country school in Washington Township until the 5th grade before moving to Manning, where he later graduated from Manning High School in 1953. Allan led a remarkable life filled with notable achievements and contributions. After graduating from Iowa State University in 1958 with a degree in Farm Operations, he embarked on a diverse career journey.
Allan worked for the Soil Conservation Service and was the Extension Youth Assistant in LeMars. Allan managed the Farm Service Company of Iowa in Moville and Swea City before transitioning to farming near Manning. His career then led him to become the Vice President of Solon State Bank in Solon, Iowa. Additionally, Allan was engaged in banking operations in Cedar Rapids, Hawkeye, Morning Sun, and Woodbine before assuming the role of branch manager in 1986 at the Farm Credit Services office in Carroll until his retirement in 1999.
On August 29, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Schmidt at Sacred Heart Church in Manning. They were blessed with four children and shared many joyous years together in various Iowa towns before settling in Carroll in 1986 and later moving to Manning in 2006. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2005 and their remarkable 65th anniversary in 2020.
Throughout his life, Allan was actively involved in various organizations that aimed to make a difference. He played a crucial role in the founding group of Solon Beef Days and was a dedicated member of the Sacred Heart Church in Manning. Allan’s commitment extended to his role as a 3rd and 4th degree member of Knights of Columbus, where he served as the Financial Secretary for nine years. He contributed his time and skills as a volunteer firefighter in Solon for 17 years and generously shared his knowledge by teaching computer classes to senior citizens in Manning and to members of the Computer Club of Sun City, Arizona. He was also very active in the Woodworking Club in Sun City.
Allan’s impact was felt across different spheres, from being a member of the School Board in Solon for three terms to serving on the Carroll Chamber and Carroll Planning and Zoning Board. His involvement in community-building initiatives like the Optimist and Kiwanis Clubs showcased his unwavering dedication to creating a better environment for all. His passion for history and preservation led him to become a member of the Historic Preservation Board in Manning.
An avid outdoorsman, Allan enjoyed going fishing, hunting, and camping with family and friends. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures of playing cards. Upon retiring, Allan and his wife Ruth embraced new adventures by spending their winters in Sun City, Arizona for 19 years and exploring the world together. He cherished his family dearly and always made time for them. Allan’s warm personality and dedication to helping others shone through in everything he did.
Allan passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Regency Park of Carroll, attaining the age of 89 years and 7 days. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Keith Eich in 1962; parents, Bert and Mamie Eich; parents-in-law, Henry and Mamie Schmidt; two brothers: Roger Eich in 2003 and his wife Bonnie in 2010 and Lyle Eich in 1994 and his wife Colleen in 2023; brothers-in-law, Harold Schmidt in 2003 and Glen Schmidt in 2024.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Eich of Manning; three children: Lynn Eich and his wife Michele of DeWitt, Iowa, Pamela Borkowski and her husband Dave of Irwin, Iowa, and Teresa Palthe and her husband Steve of Montgomery, Texas; six grandchildren: Joshua (Kim) Eich, Mitch (Angela) Eich, Brian (Kelli) Borkowski, Lauren (Nate) Botine, Steven Palthe (Avery), and Timothy Palthe; five great-grandchildren: Hudson Allan Eich, Kalina Raye Eich, Piper LeeAnn Borkowski, Jhett Jameson Borkowski, and Aspen Kate Borkowski; two sisters-in-law: Beverly Schmidt of Columbus, Ohio and Gladys Schmidt of Manning. www.ohdefuneralhome.com
