Leon Joseph Eichstedt, 93, of Southfield passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Leon always maintained a full and active life, which included dancing, gardening, and traveling well into his later years. In January, while tending to his daily activity of bird feeding, Leon fell and sustained a hip fracture. He later developed complications as a result from the injury and, after a short battle, sadly lost his life on February 18 at Berkshire Medical Center. He leaves his wife, Mildred “Millie,” of 47 years; four children; and four step children.
Leon was born on April 4, 1929 to Emeline (Markham) and Herbert Eichstedt of Hillsdale, N.Y. and was raised in Sheffield along with his eight siblings. At the age of 13, Leon worked odd jobs to supplement his family’s income after the untimely death of his father. As a young man, Leon joined the Navy, where he worked in the Construction Battalion, better known as the “Seabees.” During this time, he developed a strong passion for the building trade. After his Navy discharge, he pursued a career that led him to become known as one of the area’s leading carpenters. Over his four decades of work, Leon trained many eager hands who apprenticed by his side to further train their children and others.
Leon was known and respected by many; he had numerous friends, hobbies, and passions. In his free time, Leon was famed for being an accomplished hunter. Tales of his prized bow that he won in a hunting club draw competition and the “squirrel and deer with a single arrow” story will be passed down from generation to generation. Leon leaves this earth with a legacy so strong, he will be remembered and spoken of for generations to come.
Leon is survived by his wife, Mildred (Dellea) Eichstedt; his sister, Wanda Klahn and spouse Bill; and a brother, Peter. He is predeceased by his brothers, David, Francis, Herbert, and Sidney Eichstedt; and sisters his Charlotte Marion and Carol Anselmini. Leon leaves his children from his previous marriage to Marilyn Phillips: Leon “Butch” Eichstedt Jr., Bruce Eichstedt and wife Jane, Noreen Johnson, and Deidre Scapin and husband John. Leon was predeceased by his daughter, Andrea Eichstedt; his step-children, Donna Trapp and husband Ralph, Daniel Bigelow and wife Merry, Debra Richards, and Deana Drobish. Leon leaves 13 grandchildren, two predeceased grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 14 step-great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and seven step-great-great-grandchildren.
