Carl Eichenberger lived a long and meaningful life, serving as the patriarch of a large and lively family.

Carl Donald Eichenberger was born on July 3, 1934, the second child to Charley and Lena Eichenberger, in rural Pomona, Kansas. Carl was raised as an only child and lived, learned, and grew on his family farm, which is still active today and continuing that legacy. Carl attended North Pomona and Diamond Ridge schoolhouses before finishing his school years at Appanoose Grade and High School, even acting as a school
bus driver during his senior year of high school. It was in school that Carl met his wife, Donna Lee Maag, to whom he was wed on July 9, 1955.

Carl enlisted in the Army in 1955 and was married later that year. Carl and Donna spent about two years abroad living in Aschaffenburg, Germany, enjoying city life while Carl worked on base. During this tour, Carl and Donna were able to visit many iconic European destinations, as well as connect with Eichenberger relatives in Switzerland.

Upon their return to the U.S. and the family farm, Carl and Donna established their home in rural Pomona, Kanas, first at "the lower place" and
later "on the hill" on Reno Road. It was in these two homes that Carl and Donna welcomed their four sons, Bob (1958), Jim (1960), Donnie (1961), and Ed (1967).

Carl was very active in his community throughout his long life. He was a founding member of the Power of the Past Antique Engine and Tractor Association; was a member of the Kansas Livestock Association; and was a member of the Pomona Masonic Lodge. Carl was always involved, like helping with the bean suppers at Richter United Methodist Church, or participating in Pomona Days, and even serving a short stint on the Appanoose school board. Carl spent many years catching up on the local gossip at morning coffee at JoAnn's Cafe or Buzzard's in Pomona. After his retirement, Carl was often checking in on his sons, grandkids, neighbors, and crops from the driver's seat of his trusty pickup.

Carl had a reputation for being incredibly strong and tenacious. He was well known for being able to lift things that most others could not (he once lifted an entire engine out of an old combine by himself). He spent countless hours at his shop desk working on carburetors, mags, and all the things that made antique tractors run just right. Throughout his long life, he overcame or endured cancer, a farming accident that left him severely burned, a debilitating stroke, multiple back surgeries, pneumonia, and many other illnesses or injuries—but Carl was always determined to fight and regain his physical function, right up to his final days.

Carl passed away at Rock Creek Assisted Living, in Ottawa, Kansas, on Sunday, June 28, 2026. He was 91 years old.

Carl will be remembered for his ornery sense of humor, his grumpy countenance, and stubborn nature. Despite his antics, he was loved and cherished by just about everyone who knew him, and his legacy will endure far beyond the many years we shared with him.

Carl is survived by his wife Donna of Pomona, his son Bob (Berta) of Pomona, his son Jim of Pomona, 8 grandkids, 19 great-grandkids (with another one coming soon), as well as many in-laws and dear community friends who loved Carl as their own. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Charley (1980) and Lena (1991); his sister Lucille (1930), his sons Donnie (1985) and Ed (2026); and his grandson J.C. (2024).

A visitation will be held at Carl and Donna's home in Pomona, on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 10:00AM-2:00PM. There will be no formal service or graveside. Inurnment will be at Dean Cemetery, Pomona, Kansas.

In lieu of a memorial, Carl's family would suggest that parents and grandparents take some time to treat their kids or grandkids to "going out to eat" in memory of Carl. For more than 40 years, Carl frequently took his grandkids "out to eat" – at the Dairy Bar, Buzzard's Pizza, or Green Acres – and these meals generated countless memories and bonds which his grandkids will cherish forever. If this is not possible, memorials can be
made to Richter United Methodist Church, Ottawa, Kansas