Gerald Eichstedt

G erald E ichstedt, age 82, of Hershey, passed away January 28, 2023, at Bickford Assisted Living in Grand Island, NE after health complications.

Gerald was born in York to Clair and Helen Eichstedt on August 17, 1940. At a young age the Eichstedt family moved to North Platte. Here is where he grew up and graduated from North Platte High in 1959.

Gerald was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963. While stationed in Colorado Springs, he met his future wife, Sylvia Kosley, and they married on September 11, 1965. They made their homes in many places as he worked construction but in 1968 he began working for the Union Pacific Railroad in the yards at North Platte. This is when they made Hershey their permanent home. He retired in 2002.

He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing, and being with his dog (which he had numerous labs though the years). He loved his family and lending a hand anywhere needed. He could fix absolutely ANYTHING and if he didn't know how he would figure it out!

He was proceeded in death by his parents; father-in-law John Kosley; mother-in-law, Margery Engle; brothers-in-law, Jerry Kosley, Charles Kosley, Hal Smith and Jim McDonald; and sister-in-law, Vicki Smith.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sylvia of Grand Island; daughters, Gerri (Frank) Collins of Marquette, Gwen (Brian) Oyler of Cimarron, KS and Glinda (Wes) Rasmussen of Aurora; his close companion, Sam the yellow lab; grandkids, Cody Collins, Caitlin Collins, Camden Collins, Aaron (Sarah) Oyler, Ashtyn Oyler and Gentri Rasmussen; great-grandkids, Bristal and Tatum Collins; his sisters, Shirley Eichstedt and Claire Eichstedt of North Platte; sisters-in-law, Pat Kosley of Colorado Springs and Virginia McDonald of Meadows Place, TX; cousins, Janet (Duane) Phillippe of Lexington and Marcia Jo (Kent) Stubbendieck of Wadsworth, OH; his life- long friend, Joe Fisher; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation was chosen. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, at Odean Colonial Chapel with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Family will be present an hour before services to visit with friends at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Instead of flowers or plants, memorials are suggested to be made to the Hershey Rescue/Fire Department.