Obituary of Rita M. Eichstaedt

EICHSTAEDT, Rita M. of Saginaw, Michigan, Went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 22, 2014 with her family by her side, following a lengthy illness. She was 77 years old. The daughter of the late Lisle E. and Etta R. (Young) Geer was born on May 9, 1936 in Alpena, Michigan. Rita married Robert P. Eichstaedt on April 23, 1960, celebrating over 53 wonderful years of marriage; he survives her. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Saginaw, now known as Beacon of Hope Church, for over 60 years. Rita graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1954, and was very active in their music program, playing the French horn in the Marching and Concert bands. She was a former member of the Washington Society Club. Rita also was active in teaching Sunday school for years and worked with the toddlers in the nursery. Rita also enjoyed camping, cooking, spending quality time with her family, gardening and going to Saginaw Spirit Hockey games. She will always be remembered for being a talented beautician and a loving caregiver for many years. Surviving are her loving husband, Robert P. Eichstaedt of Saginaw; three children: Bradley Eichstaedt of Saginaw, Karen (David) Marcoux of Saginaw, and Brian (Amy) Eichstaedt of Grandville; four grandchildren: Eric Marcoux of Saginaw, Alicia (Alex) Veliz-Figueroa of Wyoming, MI, and Matthew and Malorie Eichstaedt of Grandville; four great-grandchildren, including a great grandson due in the spring. Rita is also survived by two sisters: Evelyn and Marjorie Geer of Saginaw; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Bonnie Bowerman; parents, Lisle and Etta Geer; and mother- and father-in-law, Frank and Martha Eichstaedt. Mrs. Eichstaedt's family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses at Covenant HealthCare and to Linda and staff from A+D Hospice for their wonderful care. The family would also like to thank Pastor Tucker Gunnemann from Beacon of Hope and Pastor Michael Henry and Pastor Bob Tibbits of Saginaw Wesleyan Church for the many visits, prayers and their love and support. FUNERAL: A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Beacon of Hope Church (First Baptist Church), 2109 W. Michigan Ave. Rev. Tucker Gunnemann will officiate with burial to follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Monday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Rita will lie in state at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Beacon of Hope Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.