Jack W. Eickhorst, 87, of Racine, passed away at Harvest Home Assisted Living in Mount Pleasant on Tuesday October 24, 2023. He was born in Racine on January 2, 1936, the son of the late Walter John and Helen Agnes (Nee: Macutha) Eickhorst.

Jack owned and operated State Street Industrial (SSI) for many years until retiring. He was a longtime, and active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Jack was a Boy Scout and Explorer Scout as well as a member of the Boy Scout Drum and Bugle Corps. He was a lifetime member of the Deutsch Manner Verein (Racine German Club). Jack was also a member of various shooting clubs in the area and an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed watching old westerns on TV, playing cards, Packer games, gatherings on the 4 ^th of July, and Sunday dinners with family.

His favorite place of all was his cabin up north on Rolling Stone Lake in Pearson, WI. Being in the north woods was truly his happy place. He put his heart and soul into making it the family get-away gathering place. Cherished memories were made sitting around the fire where there were many stories told and laughter shared among all. He loved passing on his knowledge, especially to his grandchildren. They received lessons on driving a tractor, fixing anything and everything, chopping wood, fishing, life cycles of dragon flies, and the names of all the bird species native to the area. He taught his children and grandchildren to respect and appreciate nature, especially the beauty of sunrises and sunsets and being still enough to hear the sound of silence. His smile and laugh were infectious. He had a loving and giving heart. He will be dearly missed by all.

Surviving are his three daughters, Jerilyn Fox of Racine, Jan Vinslauski, and Terri (David) Buckett, all of Mount Pleasant; seven grandchildren, Michael Eickhorst, Nicole (Artie) Scola, Cora Cullimore, Sarah (Jason) Dreimeier, Kate (Brad) Cutter, Amy Buckett, Zachary Buckett, nine great grandchildren Deanna, Eric, Nevaeh, Dylan, Adrianna, Makenna, Carson, Andie, and Trenton, six great great grandchildren TJ, Jazara, Julian, Kinsley, Adley, and Kylen, and his former wife, special friend, and caregiver Jean Porter. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his son-in-law David Fox and brother Thomas Eickhorst.

Service Details

A celebration of his life will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, November 2 ^nd at 530pm. Visitation will be from 430pm until the time of the service. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Harvest Home and especially the caregivers at the Chalmers house for the loving care of Jack during his stay and to the nurses, Heather and Emily, at St. Croix Hospice.