Obit -- John Eichel

John Eichel, a longtime Grand Island homebuilder, passed away on Monday, Nov. 8, 2010.

Born in Tekes, Hungary, on April 9, 1933, Eichel was the youngest child of the late Johann and Katharina Eichel. He emigrated to the U.S. in December 1956 with his wife, Barbara.

Eichel went into business for himself as J&E House construction and then into partnership with Philip K. Buchanan to form Buchanan-Eichel Homes. Together, they enjoyed 27 successful years building more than 300 homes on Grand Island and in Western New York.

In 1985, Eichel helped build Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, where he was a member.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Barbara (Maerz); by five children: Rosemarie (Gary) Asbach, Margot (Harald) Stickl of Grand Island, Lisa (Kerry) Eppes of Adel, Ga., and John (Bridget) Eichel and James (Tricia) Eichel - both of Grand Island; 17 grandchildren: Gary (Jessica), Stephen (Brianna), Carolyn, Elisabeth and Kimberly Asbach, Tina (Chris) Croudy, Nicole Stickl, Jenna and Kyle Eppes, Katarina, Brigitta, Ava, John Eichel, Jared, Samuel, Julia and Brooke Eichel; two great-grandchildren: Isaac and Josiah Asbach; by his sister, Katarina Eichel of Germany; his brother-in-law, Konrad (the late Elisabeth); sister-in-law Elisabeth (Frank) Nagy; 12 sisters and brothers-in-law in Germany; and by numerous  nieces and nephews.

Friends called Thursday at the Kaiser Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. from the Whitehaven Road Baptist Church, 1290 Whitehaven Road.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to Hospice Buffalo.