Irven “Ike” Eicholtz, of Vicksburg passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the age of 91. Irven Adam Eicholtz was born at home on May 17, 1934, in Sherman Township, MI. He was the son of Clyde and Caroline Eicholtz. He leaves behind a legacy defined by hard work, kindness, and a commitment to family and service.
Educated locally, Ike attended a one-room schoolhouse in Sherman Township and graduated from Colon High School in 1952, where he was an athlete playing baseball, basketball, and football. Along with with athletic abilities, he also carried some strong academic abilities as well with excellence in math and science. His love for sports continued throughout his life; he cherished hunting, fishing, playing golf, and bowling. A highlight of his athletic career was pitching a perfect game in 1967, a memorable achievement he took great pride in.
A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Ike served his country from 1952 to 1955, with his service spent in Korea during the conflict. During this time, he exhibited his compassionate nature by caring for local children and actively encouraging his hometown to support the Marine Christmas Drive. The community shipped clothing to his base in Korea, and he helped pass it out to people in need nearby. His dedication to service earned him the Korean Service Medal with two stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and recognition with the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.
His personal life was equally enriching. It was on a blind date at the St. Joseph County Fair, with Nancy Scanlon life changed forever. Irven “Ike” and Nancy fell in love and were married on July 18, 1964. Together, they lived in the home that he built in Vicksburg where they raised their three children. Not only was he a loving husband and father, but he also devoted time to coaching in little league baseball and softball, profoundly impacting the lives of many young athletes. As one of the founders of the Vicksburg Little League, he demonstrated his commitment to fostering sportsmanship and teamwork in his community.
In his professional life, he worked for Brunswick, Coachman, Surge Dairy, and Allied Paper. It was while at Allied that he also got his Builders license. Ike then also became self-employed as a licensed contractor, operating I.A Eicholtz Builder. During his retirement years he worked for several years at Vicksburg Hardware, where he combined his passion for helping others with his love for socializing. His career was marked by his natural teaching ability and commitment to his craft.
Ike is remembered for his incredible personality; he was known as the “Favorite Uncle” to many, always investing in the lives of those around him. He was described as a natural teacher and coach, a good provider, and a hardworking individual who continued to cut wood into his 80s with remarkable strength and toughness. His devotion to his family and friends created countless cherished memories, from making eggs every morning to baking some of the best apple pies, and his spirit of rooting for the underdog resonated deeply with those who knew him.
Irven “Ike” Adam Eicholtz leaves behind a legacy of love, education, and community service that will be long remembered by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy; three children: Mike (Neung) Eicholtz, of Kalamazoo; Karen (Philip) Nemni, of FL; Diane (Adam) Fort, of Vicksburg; seven grandchildren: Noah (Rebekah) Nemni; Jenna (Matthew) Curtis; Caleb Fort; Natalie (William) Glass; Ryan Fort; Hannah (Brandon) Massie; and Gun Krongthong; and two great grandchildren: Weston Curtis and Graylynn Massie. He is also survived by his sister: Darlene “Sue” Watson, of Mendon; brothers and sisters-in-law: Kay and Bud Roodbergen, of Scotts; Dan and Judy Scanlon, of Portage; Sue and Tom Foster, of Charlevoix; Tommy and Mai Scanlon, of Thailand; Peggy and Albin Greenwood, of Grand Rapids; and Patti and Dan McGinnis, of Kalamazoo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Clyde and Caroline Eicholtz; six siblings: Clyde “Dutch” Eicholtz; Arlene “Peg” Eicholtz; Doris Fitch; Lois Cripps; Richard “Dick” Eicholtz; Billie “Bill” Eicholtz; brother and sisters-in-law: Jane Eicholtz; Don Fitch; Phyllis Eicholtz; and Ann Greenwood.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 23rd from 4pm to 7pm. Ike will be buried with military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.
While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Irven’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with his family. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Generous Hands.
The Eicholtz family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.
