Darrell Floyd Eichner, better known as “Ike,” of Westbrook, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026 at home in Westbrook. A Celebration of Life service will be held 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at church. Interment with military honors will take place at Westbrook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Darrell was born on September 15, 1927, in Rose Hill Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota, to George W. Eichner, Jr. and Hilda Margaret (Bruning) Eichner. He was baptized on December 19, 1928, and later confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook, where he has been a long-standing member. Darrell grew up on the family farm south of Westbrook in Rose Hill Township, attended country school, and graduated from Westbrook High School where he was a star athlete and student leader.

Just three months after graduating in 1945, Darrell was drafted into the United States Army. He entered active service on February 8, 1946, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Stationed in Austria with the 5th Infantry, 42nd Infantry Division, he helped guard a vital bridge during the post-World War II occupation and assisted thousands of refugees returning home. He later transferred to the 1st Infantry Division at Camp Truscott near Salzburg, Austria, where he managed an ice cream parlor and later worked in the Non-Commissioned Officers Club. During his service, he earned the rank of First Sergeant, received training as a cryptographer and was recruited to play football, serving as both center and middle linebacker for two seasons. His team finished second in the All-Europe League. For his Military service, he received the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal before receiving an honorable discharge on December 28, 1948. He continued serving in the Army Reserves as a sergeant.

On July 15, 1950, Darrell married the love of his life, Anna Bernice Pederson, in Westbrook. His first job outside of family farming was for Klasse Motors, the local Ford dealership, where he sold cars, appliances, farm equipment, and worked at the Klasse Funeral Home.

When his Army Reserve unit was activated during the Korean War, Darrell was sent to Japan before being assigned to the 24th Infantry Division in Korea. He landed at Incheon and endured the difficult conditions of combat, including the withdrawal from the area during the early months of the conflict. After serving approximately one year in Korea, he returned home in October 1951 and was honorably discharged on August 26, 1952. His military decorations included the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars.

Following his military service, Darrell returned to Klasse Motors in Westbrook. In 1959, he was recruited to begin a successful 27-year career with Ford/New Holland Farm Implement Company as a salesman, district and regional sales manager, and as a national sales trainer. His work took the family to Marshalltown, Iowa; Carroll, Iowa; Glidden, Iowa; Overland Park, Kansas; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

After retiring from Ford/New Holland in 1986, Darrell and Anna enjoyed spending two years at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri before returning to their hometown of Westbrook in the summer of 1988. Never one to sit idle, Darrell worked for Sel Brothers Inc. in Walnut Grove for several years, later returned to Klasse, and also enjoyed selling real estate. He finally retired in 2007.

Darrell was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He lived his life with deep faith, unwavering patriotism, and a strong work ethic–values he faithfully passed on to his family. He inspired a deeply loving loyalty among his children and grandchildren.   Ike was extremely proud that all of his children benefited from higher educations and successful careers. Ike was known for his keen insights into people, his very high social IQ, and superb interpersonal versatility. A servant minded leader, he was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and proudly belonged to the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Kiwanis.

He found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved playing pinochle with friends at the Senior Center (where pennies mattered), spending time outdoors tending his lawn, beautiful flowers and gardens, and fixing just about anything with his well-used collection of tools. He was especially proud to honor veterans through his service in the American Legion.

Darrell is survived by his children: Kevin (Marylin) Eichner, Ryan (Peggy) Eichner, Karen Adams, Reed Eichner, and Karmen (Barry) Johnson; grandchildren: Adam (Lige) Eichner, Andrew (Megan) Bardot, Kyle Bardot, Kirby Adams, Bailey Adams, Katie (Brandon) Dulle, Meredith Monke, Aaron (Ashlee) Monke, and Nolan Monke; 21 great-grandchildren; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Paraphrasing the “We Like Ike” presidential campaign motto of one of his heroes, General Eisenhower, it can be said by all of us that “We Love Ike”!

Ike is preceded in death by his parents, George W. Eichner, Jr. and Hilda Margaret (Bruning) Eichner; his beloved wife, Anna Bernice Eichner; and his brother, Donald Lauris Eichner.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23