Gerald Kenneth Eichen

Gerald Kenneth Eichen, 82, of Columbus, Indiana, died at 8:04 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Gerry was born on Tuesday, January 19, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to Kenneth and Mary (Elkington) Eichen. Gerry attended Cleary College, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Upon graduation, he attended Officer Training School, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Afterwards he was assigned to Offutt AFB, Nebraska for active duty. It was here that Gerry met his future wife, Beatrice Eileen Thilges of West Bend, Iowa on a blind date. On May 7, 1966 the two were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bellevue, Nebraska by Rev. Robert A. Garvey. Together, they raised three sons and enjoyed 59 years of marriage. Gerry’s military service culminated in him working at the Pentagon, both supporting the development of computer systems for the Air Force and Defense Intelligence Agency. He attained the rank of Captain and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by the USAF and DIA. Following his discharge, Gerry was employed by Cummins Engine Company for 32 years as a developer and programmer of software for mainframe computers. He was granted a patent for devising a solution for processing dates spanning centuries. Additionally, he worked as an instructor at IUPUI, teaching evening classes within the School of Engineering and Technology. Gerry was a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, and was the Cubmaster to the parish sponsored 555 Pack, which his three sons belonged to as children. In retirement, Gerry enjoyed spending time with his family, researching genealogy-- including coding his own genealogy software which eventually became a full-fledged business, Pinecone Software-- watching 'This Old House', and restoring a 1913 Iowa farmhouse with his wife. Gerry was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, known for his expert advice in anything from home plumbing, electrical wiring, and carpentry to computer programming, photography, and home entertainment systems. When he wasn’t working on his own projects, he worked to assist his wife on hers-- building her flower beds, trellises, and arbors for her backyard gardening and helping to measure and design fabric pieces for her several beautiful quilts. Gerry, his guidance, and his playful sense of humor will be greatly missed. Gerry is survived by his wife Bette; his three sons, Jeffrey (and wife, Jan) of Apex, NC, Matthew of Winnetka, IL, and Eric (and fiancé, Kelly) of Windham, NH; his grandsons, Andrew, Nick, Kyle, and Patrick; his granddaughter, Elizabeth; as well as his brothers, Roger (and wife, Mary Ellen) and Karl (and wife, Marilyn); and several nieces and nephews. Gerry is preceded in death by his parents Mary and Kenneth. A memorial service is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana. Services were entrusted to Jewell Rittman Funeral Home. You are invited to light a candle or send a message to the family.

Gerald Kenneth Eichen

January 19, 1943 - October 31, 2025