Robert E. Eicholtz, age 76 of Monroe, died on Saturday, July 4, 2009, at the Monroe Clinic Hospital, after an extended illness. He was born December 15, 1932, the son of Clifford and Eldora (Gishwiller) Eicholtz of Lena, Illinois. He attended school in Illinois and Monroe, graduating from Monroe High School in 1952. Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas and in Korea. Upon returning to Monroe, he married Carolyn J. Wood on May 22, 1955 in Monroe. Bob was employed by Rosa Florist Shop and later for Cunningham Distributing Company until they established Monroe Floral Shop. Bob and Carolyn operated this business until they retired in 1996. He was a member of Union Presbyterian Church of Monroe, the Zilmer Riley American Legion Post #84 and the Cecil Jones V.F.W. Post #2312. Bob and Carolyn were executive members of the Diocesan Board of Directors of the Apostolate to the Handicapped.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn and daughter Karen McKay; three grandchildren, Cade, Cole and Emily McKay, whom he adored and loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, father and mother-in-law, William and Alvina Wood.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home in Monroe. Co-officiating will be the Rev. Marilyn Sandin-Ross and Monsignor Thomas Campion. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Monroe. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m., at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the Apostolate to the Handicapped in Bob's memory.