Kelly Ray Eich - Brookings

Nov. 23, 1954 - March 3, 2019

Posted

Kelly Ray Eich, 64, of Brookings passed away March 3, 2019 at Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls.  

Funeral services have been set for 2 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2019, at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2019, until the time of services at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings.   

 Kelly Ray Eich, son of Alvin and Marge (Kuiper) Eich, was born on Nov. 23, 1954, in Tyler, MN.  His early childhood years were spent in Southern California before the family moved back to Iowa in 1963 and eventually resettled on a farm north of Lake Benton, MN.  It is on this farm where Kelly developed his love of hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. 

Whether it was snowmobiling in winter, fishing in summer or hunting in fall, you could always find Kelly doing something outdoors.  Many times he was accompanied by his brother-in-law, Robert, who he referred to as his “brother from another  mother.”

 Kelly also raced stock cars for many years.  Kelly was a loving owner and caretaker of many pets over his lifetime.  His first hunting lab was named Tina after the Tina Turner song “Better Be Good To Me” that was playing on the radio when he was bringing her home for the first time.  She was followed by Sara and now they have Stella. Kelly also had a pet skunk (descented) named Rose.  He was also a cat owner and cat lover.

 Kelly graduated from Lake Benton High School in 1974 and married Colleen Weber.  This marriage was blessed with three children, Jamie, Jason and Sara.  Kelly drove long haul truck for many years and worked at the bowling alley in Brookings for over 20 years.  While at the bowling alley he helped install and implement the first computer bowling programs.  It was while he was working at the bowling alley that Kelly met Kristi Hendrickson, his wife and partner of the last 28 years.  

They enjoyed a robust rivalry between his Vikings and her Packers all their years together.  They also enjoyed watching Dale Earnhardt Sr. together.  Kelly worked hard his whole life and he played hard.

 Survivors include his wife, Kristi of Brookings; two children, Jason (Amanda) of Wellington, CO and Sara Eich-Lang of Fort Collins, CO; three grandchildren, Barry, Katelyn and Garrett; four sisters, Karen (Alan) Johansen of Currie, MN, Sandee (Robert) Walker of Andersonville, TN, Lea Lory of Lake Benton, MN and Jodee (Tim) Fodstad of Grand Rapids, MN; many nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his son, Jamie; his parents, Alvin and Marge Eich and nieces and nephews.

 Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.