Walter F. Eichman

Walter Frank Eichman, of Whitewater, WI, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, at the age of 96 +9 months, surrounded by his loving family in Madison, Wisconsin. Walter was born at home at the aid of a Midwife, on November 19, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Walter John Eichman and Anna Eichman (née Kusmierkewicz).

Walter’s life spanned remarkable decades filled with love, laughter, and service to others. He found his life partner in Florence Ann Martynowicz, marrying on May 7, 1950, and spent over 70 years with her before her passing on March 7, 2020. He dedicated 35 years of his life to Commonwealth Edison, where he worked tirelessly, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Walter’s first job title at Edison as a boiler mechanic required him to work inside the 200 ft tall stacks which exhausted and filtered the pollution from the energy generators. Walter worked inside on ladders upon catwalks scrubbing the inside walls of these stacks, in 180-degree temperatures. He also had to collect the ash residue at the bottom of the stack to remove it. His second job title at Edison, he transferred at age 40 to a less physically demanding job as an Electrical Operator. He was responsible for all the switching stations which powered the entire city of Chicago. Before his tenure at Commonwealth Edison, Walter’s work journey included time at the Colony Movie Theatre, Englander Mattress, and Banker's Dispatch, all in Chicago.

A proud veteran, Walter served in the United States Navy, he enlisted in 1945, where he played a significant role during A-bomb testing. His service took him to San Diego, Washington State, and Alaska, instilling in him a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature and the importance of community service.

Walter was not only a dedicated employee but also a devoted community member. He served as Commander for Post #606 in Hebron, Illinois, and held the position of village trustee for Wonder Lake, Illinois. His faith was paramount in his life; he served as an elder in several churches and volunteered for Meals on Wheels, embodying the spirit of giving and compassion.

Throughout his life, Walter had a plethora of hobbies and interests. He was an avid lover of music, frequently enjoying artists like the Pointer Sisters, Crystal Gayle, and Roger Whittaker. Inspired by his idol, J. Edgar Cayce, he had a lifelong belief that people were connected energetically and mentally. Walter was a devout Christian and a consistent presence in his church community, inspired by his faithful devout parents. They were very devout and attended church weekly. His creative spirit flourished through woodworking, inventing, and various handyman tasks around the house. Walter invented a sewer valve for the basement of his home in Chicago that kept the flood waters and heavy rain coming into the basement. He also made several rainwater valves for several other neighbors on his block. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and even had a talent for hunting, cherishing the great outdoors.

Walter's love for the environment was evident in his nurturing attitude towards all living creatures, teaching his children to appreciate every aspect of nature, including spiders, often allowing them to crawl in his hands. His popular quotes, "Never give up" and "Be a leader, not a follower," encapsulated his approach to life and served as a guiding light for those who knew him. 

In addition to his parents, Walter and Anna and the love of his life, Florence, Walter is preceded in death by his beloved son, Wayne Paul Eichman; his cherished dogs, Pudgie, Trixie, Taffy and Muffy; his sister, Loraine Perillo (Chorba); and his Poland born mother-in-law, Cecylia "Bushie" Martynowicz, who ran a grocery store in her home with her husband. Along with brothers-in-law, Michael Perillo, Frank (Irene) Martynowicz, uncle Johnny Chorba, sisters-in-law, Harriet (Raymond) Pawlak, and cousins, Barbara (Harold) Ċox, Raymond Pawlak, and Lance (Mary) Pawlak.

He is survived by his three loving daughters: Alea ”Linda” (Robert) Cunningham of Santa Barbara, CA, Doreen Long (Bill) Dodge of Whitewater, WI, and Marie (Greg) Badgley of Wonder Lake, IL. Walter was a proud grandfather to Cecelia (Louis) Long of Wichita, KS, Jesse Long of Hebron, IL, and Jeneva (Jakob) Long of Ithaca, NY. He also leaves behind a circle of cousins, Sharon (Wallace) Conlon, Terry (Joyce) Martynowicz, Gail (Dale, Doug, and son Danny) Pawlak, Billy (Margie) Pawlak, Susan Paciga, John Paciga, Robert Paciga, Sandra Paciga, a niece, Corrie Ann Chorba, and a great-niece, Laura Chorba, who will all miss him dearly.

Walter spent many joyful summers on the 8 acres of land he owned in Kingston, IL, creating lasting memories with family and friends. He owned 2 horses named Rebel and Big Red. His legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know him.

A funeral service to honor Walter’s life will be held at Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI 53190, on September 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and go until time of services. Friends and family are encouraged to share their memories and celebrate the remarkable life of this extraordinary man.

Walter Frank Eichman will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his warmth, wisdom, and the countless lives he touched throughout his journey. May he rest in peace.

Nitardy Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Eichman family during this time.