Herbert Theodore Eichman

Herbert Theodore Eichman went to be present with his Lord and Savior on December 30, 2025 after enduring complications from cancer. Herb was born on May 2, 1934 to Henry and Katherina Eichman, Volga Germans who had immigrated from Russia and homesteaded in the Kendrick area of southwest Lincoln County Colorado.

Herb attended Henry Center School and then graduated from Edison High School in 1952. At Edison he met and dated Shirley Rasner and they were married on December 5, 1954. Herb and Shirley farmed and ranched just a few miles from where Herb grew up. They raised three children. Kenneth of Lee’s Summit, MO, Kathleen Landon of Yoder, CO and Amy Balman of Wellsville, KS.

Herb was a follower of Jesus, and a strong example of a man of faith for his family and community. He grew up in the tradition of the Lutheran faith, and continued as an adult to grow spiritually as a follower of Jesus and active member of Kendrick Bible Church where he served on the church board for many years. In addition to Sunday morning church services and Sunday School, Herb and Shirley were committed to participating in the life of the church. Right up until the last few months he was a faithful participant in the weekly prayer meetings at church. Through those times he and Pastor Randy Harmon built a solid friendship. Herb also attended the monthly men’s breakfasts. He and Shirley attended and contributed to the monthly community dinners. Herb was generous to the church, family, and others with his time, talents and treasure.

Herb was a worker. Work was his therapy. When he was discouraged, he just worked harder. In general Herb was known as a gentle and caring person. He was a man of few words which often made him difficult to work with, as Shirley, the children, nephews, son-in-laws, and others can attest to. But he always appreciated the help and was generous with compensation. At the age of 68 he had to sell the cattle due to a severe drought, but he continued to feed a few steers each year that provided beef for the extended family. At the age of 90 he turned that responsibility over to Ollie, his son-in-law. Herb continued to farm raising sorghum hay until he was 88. He loved to see things grow and continued to have a small tomato garden through this summer. Another way he expressed his love of growing things was by planting hundreds and hundreds of trees all over the ranch. A legacy he leaves to the land, in addition to the legacy he leaves in the hearts of loved ones. His friends and family are saddened by his departure, but relieved that his suffering has ended.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Henry and George, his sisters Emma Gerlach, Mary Selby, and Clara Doran. He is survived by his wife Shirley, son Kenneth Eichman, daughters Kathleen (Ollie) Landon, Amy (Brian) Balman, six grandchildren Rebecca (David) Chumbley of Fountain, CO, Justin (Vickie) Landon of Yoder, CO, Benjamin (Jenna) Balman of Spring Hill, KS, Joel (Kirstin) Balman of Eagar, AZ, Luke (Hannah) Balman of Lindsborg, KS, and Katrina (Graham) Widgery of Doha, Qatar, nine great-granddaughters, and eight great-grandsons. He is also survived by his twin brother Harold (Shirley) Eichman of Rush, CO.

Services will be held at Kendrick Bible Church, 2985 County Road K, Rush Colorado 80833 at 10:30 on January 8, 2026 followed by a graveside service at Kendrick Community Cemetery (formerly known as St. Luke’s Cemetery). All are invited to a dinner at the church following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kendrick Bible Church.