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In Memory

Kurt Eichorst - Class Of 1961

Kurt Eichorst

Kurt Karl Eichorst May 23 1943 June 19 2019 (age 76)

08/13/2019 No further details are available.  JFC

 

Kurt K. Eichorst

1943 – 2019

Kurt K. Eichorst, 76, of Niceville went to be with the Lord on June 19, 2019. He was born May 23, 1943 in South Bend, IN to the late Sherman & Shirley Eichorst. Kurt fought a courageous 16 month battle of Glioblastoma, a fast growing brain cancer. His faith in the Lord never wavered and he never gave up, he didn’t let the disease define who he was and fought till the bitter end.

Kurt grew up the youngest brother of Doug and Brad, lettering in football, baseball, basketball, track & wrestling in high school. Upon graduation, he joined the US Navy Reserves, attending the US Navy Academy Prep School (NAPS), participating in football. He went on to Ball State, played football until several injuries forced him into track, where he threw the shot put and discus. Kurt commanded the student AF ROTC, served as president of the Theta Chi fraternity, graduating with Blue Key Honors and earning a regular commission in the US Air Force in 1966.

Kurt spent 22 years in the AF as a navigator and bombardier in the B-52 and the F-4 with two tours in SEA, and a tour in Korea. He attended the AF Institute of Technology, earning a second Bachelor’s in Physics Optics and a Master’s in Laser Optics. He crewed as a Weapons Systems Officer in the F-4 at Eglin AFB as a system/test engineer conducting Developmental Testing of AF Weapons Systems. After retirement he joined Sverdrup Technology/Jacobs Engineering as a system engineer for 18 years, where he was instrumental in the installation and testing of the Air Combat Training System for aircrews in Alaska, retiring in 2006.

Kurt attended Crosspoint Methodist Church where he met and married the love of his life, Janice (Roberts) Coffield. He loved going to the Niceville football games along with basketball and baseball games at NWFSC. He enjoyed helping others, exercising and fulfilling his “Honey Do” list for Jan. He could build anything, fix anything and loved a challenge. Kurt was blessed with a very generous and forgiving heart along with his faith in his Lord and Savior.

Kurt is preceded in death by his parents and the mother of his children. He leaves behind with cherished memories, his loving wife, Jan, of 27 years, children Thad, Lisa, and Lynn, 6 grandchildren and his mother in law, Catherine Roberts, who lived with them 10 years up until his diagnosis.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Crosspoint Methodist Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 11:00 am, In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to the Alabama-West Florida Asbury Foundation Fund, the North West Florida State College Kurt Eichorst Scholarship, or Children in Crisis. Visit www.heritagegardensfuneralhome.com

 
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08/18/19 01:16 PM #1    

Jean Sweitzer (Jackson) (1961)

I'm so sorry to learn of Kurt's passing. He was the first boy I thought I loved. His dedication to the Air Force and service to our country was admirable. May he Rest in Peace.

Jean Sweitzer Jackson


08/19/19 12:51 PM #2    

George H. Winkelmann (1961)

Another Eagle has left us for the clouds.  God bless Kurt's family and friends.  I'm sure he will be sorely missed.  Kurt served our country well, and was certainly another one of the good guys.  Rest in Peace our friend from the JAHS Class of '61.


08/19/19 04:25 PM #3    

Jane Aronson (Skaggs) (1961)

I, too, am sadden by Kurt’s passing. I believe my father coached all three of the Eichorst brothers at both Nuner and Adams in one sport or another. Condolences to his wife, brothers and family. 


08/19/19 04:38 PM #4    

Jack Davis (1961)

I was sorry to hear of Kurt's passing a couple of week ago, having been fellow airmen who'd served at Eglin AFB, we had done a bit of emailing over the past few years and had a lengthy chat at our 50th. He was fortunate to have beaten another form of cancer (that had removed him from flight status) while still on active duty. He was a true fighter! America is proud of his dedicated service! RIP Kurt...


08/19/19 08:10 PM #5    

Marijo Peck (Huck) (1961)

Always with sadness to see another of our classmates has passed.  Condolences to Kurt's family and may the memories they have made together, help them through their loss. 


08/20/19 08:44 AM #6    

Barbara Robinson (1961)

So sorry to have heard the news of Kurt's passing.  We go back to kindergarten at Nuner School and then all the way to 1961 graduation.  A super person.  Always thought the best of him.  Condolences to his family as I am sure he will so very missed.  RIP from a fellow "River Park"  citizern.......  Barbara


08/21/19 01:03 PM #7    

Larry Balok (1961)

I too was saddened to hear of Kurts passing.  I believe we may have been  in Miss Jones Kindergarten class at Nuner.   Long time River Park resident. Blessings on his family.  He will be remembered with fondness.


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