Bobby Eichten

Bobby Eichten, 54, of Kathryn, ND passed away unexpectedly on June 27, 2024 in Williston, ND.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:30 PM Monday, July 8th at Weigel Funeral Home in Mandan. A committal service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to help funeral expenses: https://plan.passare.com/planner/external/payments/65c7aa4a-6da8-4637-b87f-cc13da7f2c92

Bobby Sherman Eichten, our friend, brother, and father. A gold hearted, hardworking, and generous man known to some simply as “Bob”. Known for always wanting to find some live music and have a good time whether it be with his family, friends, or complete strangers. A stand-up man who took on many responsibilities and did them with such grace and commitment. Bob leaves behind many memories with his loved ones who will continue to tell stories of him for generations. Bob worked in transportation for J&B Group of St. Michael, MN as a semi-driver for 25+ years.

Bobby Eichten was born in Hutchinson, MN on July 10th, 1969, to Marlene & Stephen Eichten, who welcomed Bobby into a large loving family where he learned hard work, compassion, and his love for people. Bobby attended Hutchinson High School, Class of 1987, and was invested member of the FFA where he competed in Dairy Judging and was an avid and if you asked him ‘pretty damn good’ bowler.

After graduation, Bobby answered the call and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His rank reached Corporal and earned 2 Rifle Expert Badges, a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Pistol Marksman. Bobby served from 1987-1991 taking trips to Okinawa, Thailand, and some leisurely trips to Mexico with his fellow Devil Dogs. Serving as a heavy equipment operator and known to his brothers as “Big Country” and “Killer Bob”, the latter of which is the culmination of some of his adventures he went on across Southern California with his Marine Corps brothers. While in the Corps, Bob’s love to have a good time and generosity was evident and embraced amongst his fellow Marines. 

After his time in the Marine Corps and brief stint back in Minnesota, Bob moved to the Cache Valley in southern Idaho and northern Utah and attended Dairy Herdsman school. While in Preston, Idaho, Bob continued his passion for bowling, dairy cows, went on his first deer hunting trip, competed in an 8-ball pool league, and met lifelong loved ones.

Bob moved back to Minnesota and discovered his passion for driving truck while working for G. R. Daniels. Bob often was seen fishing whether it was on a boat or on the ice. He was a passionate Minnesota sports fan but his loved ones knew him best for his soft spot for the Utah Jazz from his time in Idaho. 

In 1998, Bobby was graced with, if you asked him, his most important and beloved job here on earth. Becoming a father. A quote from a Brad Paisley song sums it up best the feelings,

“And lookin' back all I can say about all the things he did for me….Is I hope I'm at least half the dad that he didn't have to be”

Bobby is survived by his children, Kyle & his wife Aubrey, April, Tyler, Nick, & Dustin; 3 Grandchildren; Brayden, Liam, & Adessa; Brothers & Sisters; Bradley, Brigid, Becky, and Billy.

Bobby is preceded in death by his father Stephen; mother Marlene; sister Brenda; & brother Brian.