Kay F. Eichman

Kay Frederick Eichman, age 72, of Prescott, WI, passed away on February 15, 2025, at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. He was born on February 29, 1952, in Prescott, WI, to Kenneth and Beverly (Horbach) Eichman. Kay was a proud graduate of Prescott High School, class of 1970.

On May 27, 1972, he married the love of his life, Beatta Helmer, at the parsonage of the Methodist Church in Ellsworth, WI. Together, they raised three daughters: Kollyn, Kjurstin, and Kelly.

Upon becoming a master electrician, Kay founded and operated Eichman Electric, before eventually working at The Snelling Company in St. Paul, MN and Continental Machines in Savage, MN.

A leap year baby, Kay celebrated his “18th birthday” last year, marking a fun milestone. In February 2020, Kay was a recipient of a stem cell transplant, which helped him continue his life’s journey. He enjoyed the simple things in life, such as mowing the lawn and maintaining trails on his family’s land. He was also a fan of online auctions and loved spending time working on tractors and other mechanical projects, often described by his wife as “putzing around outside.” Throughout his life, Kay enjoyed playing and watching sports. He built a softball field in Prescott and hosted many slow pitch tournaments and leagues over the years. The softball field site eventually grew to include a restaurant, Parkside Grill, operated by the Eichman family.

Kay was a proud father and grandfather. He cherished his children and grandchildren, never missing their events or concerts, always a supportive and loving presence in their lives. He also enjoyed visiting local fish fries, traveling to nearby communities to try out different ones that he had heard about.
Kay is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Beatta; daughters Kollyn (Skip) Severson, Kjurstin (Mike) Langer, and Kelly Eichman; grandchildren Logan (Taylor Gardner) Severson, Morgan (Carson) Stenroos, Trey Severson, Kianna Severson, Dewey Langer, Cooper Langer, and Luizella Keeler. He is also survived by his siblings: Terry (Tami) Eichman, Floyd Eichman, Cheryl (Craig) Tousley, Marilee (Don) Gutting, Ruth (Mike) Schrantz, and Candy (Terry) Heimerl; siblings in-law: Connie (Bill) Kind, Eddie Carver, and Larry Yochim; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Barb Eichman and John Eichman; his siblings in-law Valarian Helmer, Dayle Helmer, Sandy Carver, and Ila Yochim.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Prescott United Church of Christ, 206 Locust St. N, Prescott, WI 54021. A short program is planned for 3:30.

Memorials are preferred to the Gift of Life Transplant House in memory of Kay. The Gift of Life Transplant House is located at 705 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN 55902.

Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Prescott. For more information, visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-262-5404.