Russell James Eichenberger, 89, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away on July 16, 2026, from complications following a stroke. Russell was born on January 7, 1937, the youngest of seven children, to Paul and Lydia (Harris) Eichenberger on the family farm approximately 20 miles northwest of Gordon, Nebraska. He graduated from Gordon High School and carried with him throughout life the values of hard work, faith, and family learned in his early years. After leaving the farm, Russell spent 12 years in the construction industry in Nebraska and South Dakota. He later started his own construction company and was involved in many building projects over the years. He also owned and operated apartment buildings and a lumberyard. Russell’s work reflected his determination, skill, and entrepreneurial spirit, and he took great pride in building and managing.
He met and married Kathleen Hamilton while building the gymnasium in Oelrichs, S.D. Together they had two sons, Rick and Michael. They later divorced. Russ moved to Long Pine, NE and built a home, in 1979 it was completely destroyed by a tornado. He retired from owning his construction business and moved to Wyoming. He married Rochelle Ritchie in 1998 and they designed and built an A frame house with a beautiful view in Pine Haven, Wyo. Years later they sold their house in Wyoming and bought a house in Sun City, Ariz. Russell and Rochelle enjoyed an adventurous retirement together, traveling in their motorhome from Texas to Alaska, spending winters in Arizona and Texas and making lasting memories along the way. They continued to spend their summers in Wyoming with family and friends.
After Rochelle’s passing, Russ sold their house in Sun City and purchased an apartment at El Dorado Retirement Community of Sun City. Russell continued to embrace travel and later visited Egypt and the Holy Land, where he was baptized in the Jordan River. He made many friends at El Dorado, where he enjoyed playing pool, playing cards, dancing and fishing. Russell enjoyed carving, wood burning, and making boxes and furniture. He created more than 100 woodcraft pieces, many carved completely by hand, and his remarkable work earned him several awards. His creations were displayed at the Texas Trail Museum in Moorcroft, and a photo display of his work is also featured in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Among all of his creations, his greatest pride was a 6-foot life-size cowboy named Slim. He was an active and faithful member of Bellevue Heights Church, where he served as maintenance director and groundskeeper. He gave his time and talents willingly, caring for the church property with quiet dedication.
Russell will be remembered for his expertise in woodworking, talent for gardening (especially roses), adventurous spirit, and devotion to his church and community. His life was marked by faith, service, and a deep commitment to the places he loved.
He is survived by his sons, Rick (Lisa) Eichenberger and Michael (Regina) Eichenberger; stepchildren Don Harrod and Dalene Harrod; grandchildren Nikki Loyd, Macie Wiles, Jody Melton, Megan (Tim) Dow, Kimberly (Garrett) Pape, William (Ashton) Eichenberger, Kris (Amber) Rathai, Kody (Kristin) Rathai, Ashley Coulter; eighteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren. A service to honor Russell’s life will be graveside on July 28, 2026 at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery at 10 AM. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel. com