Harriet Eichen

Harriet Louise, “Harry Lou”, Eichen (Middleton), age 96, was welcomed into the loving embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ, singing the “Hallelujah" chorus, February 28, 2026. She was born March 11, 1929, in Alton, Illinois, the daughter of Dr. Harry and Florence Middleton. Harry Lou was the treasured little sister of Dr. William Middleton, Martha Lauritzen (Middleton), and Eleanor Ann Middleton.

Harry Lou was the dear and loving wife of Howard Eichen, to whom she was married for 70 years. They first met in Sunday school at Main Street Methodist Church and remained friends through graduation from Alton High School, where they were in the same senior class. They began dating during college and eventually married. Their marriage centered on their Christian faith, love, commitment to one another, and devotion to their ever-growing family. 

Together they had five children: Lisa Norooz; Gretel (John) Maggos; Bob (Shelley) Eichen; Britta (Mark) Haggard; and David (Patty) Eichen. 

Grandchildren include: Daniel, Sarah (Justin) Mathenia, Joseph, Noah, and Samuel Norooz; Rachel (Jay) St. John and Benjamin Maggos; Alex, David (Daisy), and Andrew Eichen, Leslie (Reggie) Conlee, Lindsey (Randy) Cress, and Lauren (Thomas) Gage; Hannon (Heather), Asher (Jess Nemic), and Sage Haggard; Isaiah (Lauren) and Elias Eichen. Great-grandchildren include Liam Norooz; Harper, Darcy, Eva, Calvin, and Amos Mathenia; Henry, Rosie, and Milo St. John; Lela and Sydney Eichen; Corbin, Boden, and Zoe Leezy; Amalie Michelon; Makenzie, Wyatt and William Conlee; Kylie Angel; Harper Gage; Levi, Louis, and Chloe Haggard; and Matthew Eichen.

Harry Lou prayed for each family member by name in her nightly prayers. She was their No.1 fan in life.

Harry Lou attended William Woods College for Women and Millikin University where she studied voice and fashion design and served as the President of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority chapter. She recorded a number of albums while attending William Woods. In the early years of marriage, while Howard completed school, Harry Lou worked in the bookkeeping department of a bank. When their first child arrived, she devoted herself fully to her family, becoming a dedicated homemaker and supportive wife.

Harry Lou was frequently seen shuffling kids around town in her blue- and -white Volkswagen bus to and from Summers-Port, athletic practices, lessons, scout meetings, sporting events, and a variety of after-school activities. Howard was heavily involved in the Missouri Athletic Club (M.A.C.), New Horizon Band and much more. Harry Lou never missed an Apollo performance, dance, dinner, or special event.

Harry Lou loved big family holidays, house plants, gardening, big dogs, playing classical music at the highest decibel, playing the harmonica, photography, eating cheeseballs and drinking mini-Cokes while watching films, non-fiction books, poetry, writing riddles, sewing, exercising, her scalding hot morning cup of coffee, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, Charlie Brown, catfish on rye with a raw white onion at O’Jan's, summers on Torch Lake Michigan, shopping for shoes, singing with exuberance with the windows wide open, big family vacations, big vacations without the family, Sanibel seashells, spotting white pelicans soaring over the Mississippi, and big hugs.

Harry Lou will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but we know we will one day be reunited in Heaven. She will be remembered as incredibly strong, bright, principled, kindhearted, humble, gentle, curious, and very loving.  Harry Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings; her husband; her son, Bobby; and her grandsons Ben Maggos and Andrew Eichen

A private family celebration of life will be held later in March.

Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.