With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Helga H. Eichel, 98,.
Some stories deserve to be told slowly. This is one of them.
Helga entered this world in 1919 — the start of a journey that would span 99 years.
Helga spent her working life as ['teller in the bank in Viborg for two years'] and held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
What Helga believed shaped how she loved.
Helga H. Eichel, 98 died Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls. Memorial services will be at 11:00am Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at the First Baptist Church, Parker. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home. In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be directed to Sanford Hospice or First Baptist Church in Parker. Helga Harriet Eichel was born on August 29, 1919 to Ludwig and Agnes (Jensen) Andersen in rural Hurley, SD. She grew up near Hurley where she graduated from Hurley High School in 1937. She lived in Redwood City, CA for three years before moving back to South Dakota where she worked as a teller in the bank in Viborg for two years. On August 17, 1942 she was united in marriage to Bill Eichel at Luverne, MN. They farmed in the Parker area. She was a very active member of the First Baptist Church since 1949 where she taught Sunday school, was a choir member, active in American Baptist Women having served as president, secretary, and treasurer, and served as secretary/treasurer for the Southeastern South Dakota Baptist Association for several years. For over 20 years she served on the Parker Township Election Board, Parker Medical Clinic Board, and Food Pantry Board. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and golfing at Par Mar Valley Country Club. Grateful for having shared her life are her sons, William (Bill) Eichel, Jr, Parker, Jim (Lori) Eichel, Chapel Hill, NC, and Tom (Lucy) Jackson, San Diego, CA; a daughter in law, Betsy Eichel, Apex, NC; 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandsons, a great granddaughter, and 32 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, son Gary, and 8 brothers and sisters, Astrid, Ejlert, Arnie, Ejner, Leo, Vera, Herdis, and Dottie.
