Wilbur A. Eichelberg

Wil was born on a farm in Montana to Alfred and Martha Eichelberg. The family moved to Portland when he was about 15 years old. After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1944, he served as an interpreter with the infantry in Germany. He was called to active duty as an aircraft mechanic with the Oregon Air National Guard in 1950, and retired in 1982 with a rank of Chief Master Sergeant. His hobbies included maintaining two antique autos, woodworking, and performing for 27 years with the Portland Symphonic Choir. He also arranged to have an F-86 sabre jet that survived the Korean War to be restored and displayed at Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe.

In 1951 he married Phyllis Virell and is survived by his five children, Dale Eichelberg, Candace Lasko, Therese Chilcutt, and the twins, Erica Eichelberg and Eric Eichelberg. He was also survived by his partner of 32 years, Nancy Holman, her two sons, John and Bill, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Vancouver Hospice. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 8, 2013 at the Fairway Village Clubhouse in Vancouver.