06/13/2013
Martha Belle “Marty” (Kool) Eicher, 90, a longtime area educator died peacefully Thursday, June 13, 2013.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 17, 2013, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City, where there will be a period of visitation one hour prior to the services and following the services a time of refreshments and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her memory to the University of Iowa Foundation to continue supporting many of Marty’s interests in the University community. Online condolences may be sent to her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com.
Martha Belle Kool was born March 31, 1923, in Knoxville, Iowa the daughter of C.A. and Delia (Blackman) Kool. Following graduation from University High School in Iowa City, she graduated from the University of Iowa. She was united in marriage to Daniel S. Eicher in 1948.
For many years Martha taught in the Iowa City Community School District as an art teacher at City High School, and West High School, and retired from Northwest Junior High School. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Music Study Club (past president), The University Club, Entre Nous Club (past president), the Lunch Bunch, and the Panera Coffee Group.
She cherished the many friendships that have lasted years that came from her involvement in these groups. She also enjoyed attending City High-Class Reunions and connecting with former students and colleagues.
Her family includes her three children, Danny (Carol) Eicher of Iowa City, Mary Kay (William) Pilla of Mendota Heights, MN, and Sarah (Steven) Nelson of Eden Prairie, MN; grandchildren, Danielle Eicher, Sean (Mary) Eicher, Lindsay Pilla, Stephen Pilla, Daniel Nelson, and Kirsten Nelson; one great-grandson, Arie Eicher; and her dear friend, Nettie Walden.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Daniel in 1983; and her brother, Kenneth Kool.
Martha’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the compassionate and professional care provided for their mother and grandmother by Dr. Craig Champion, his staff, and those at Mercy Hospital.
Published in the Press-Citizen on June 14, 2013