Mr. Robert Eiker

As originally published on Tuesday, May 11, 2004.

Mr. Robert Clarence Eiker, 87, of South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, died Monday, May 10 at his residence.

Born Jan. 21, 1917 in Emmitsburg, he was the son of the late Francis and Laura VanSickle Eiker.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Bernadine Ott Eiker on Feb. 9, 1995.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman, fishing and small game hunting in his early years. He was one of the founding members of the Indian Lookout Bowmen Archery Club. He also helped organize the Gettysburg Archery Club, and participated in the relocation of the Gettysburg club to its present site. He was a National Field Archery Association member, as well as a member of Woodsboro Bowmen and Mayberry Archery Club.

Bob was also a member of Quirack Rod and Gun Club, Indian Lookout Conservation Club, Blue Ridge Sportsmen Association and Sons of the American Legion, Cascade Post 239.

He was a member of Carpenters Local 132, retiring from Thurmont Construction Company. Bob was a master craftsman who took pride in all his woodworking projects.

Bob was an accomplished instinctive shooter and a top competitor for many years. Countless hunters have benefited by stopping by "Bob's Shop" for advice and service, or to just share a bow hunting adventure. Bow hunting White Tail was a pursuit and passion that kept Bob young and successful, hunts were accomplished at the ages of 84 and 85.

He also enjoyed dancing and was a frequent participant in local karaoke nights.

He was a member of Elias Evangelical Lutheran Church, Emmitsburg.

He is survived by six children, Dorothy Fox of Dickerson, Anna Ray of Waynesboro, Pa., Robert B. Eiker of Fairfield, Pa., William Eiker of Emmitsburg, Joan Carney of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Peggy Eiker Fleagle of Fairfield; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; number of nieces and nephews; a sister, Helen Irene Weinarsky, Sea Isle, N.J.; two brothers, Gilbert Eiker and Elwood Eiker both of Emmitsburg; and a dear friend, Elva O'Brien of Fairfield.

He was preceded in death by a son, Robert Eiker; a granddaughter, Kathy Thomas; a brother, Francis Eiker; and sisters, Ruth Kemp and Betty Weirman.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 12 at Skiles Funeral Home, 210 W. Main St., Emmitsburg, where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, May 13 from the funeral home with his pastor, the Rev. Jon Greenstone, officiating.

Interment will be in Emmitsburg Memorial Cemetery.