Wesley Frederick Albert Eichler, 87, of Sodus, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel. A private family service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sodus. Memorial Contributions may be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchingner.com.
Wesley “Wes” Eichler was born on October 29, 1937, in St. Joseph, MI, to Adolph and Ione (Virkus) Eichler. On August 17, 1957, Wes married his high school sweetheart, Roberta “Bobbie” Schramm, at First Congregational Church in St. Joseph.
In 1954 Wes began repair of automobiles and later opened his own business Eichler Body Shop in Sodus, which he proudly and diligently operated until 1990. While successfully running his body shop, Wes expanded his passion for craftsmanship into the world of antiques. In 1980, he founded Eichler Antique Refinishing, which he ran alongside his son, Wesley F. “Scooter,” until 2022. Together, they traveled across four states restoring and refinishing antiques for countless customers. Wes’s entrepreneurial spirit also shone through his ventures in the retail snowmobile and car industries.
Wes was an active and respected member of his community. He served two terms as president of the Southwest Michigan Body Shop Association and was also past president of the Blossomland Chapter of the TTCM (Travel Trailer Clubs of the Midwest). He was a longtime member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church and proudly participated in The Road Barron’s, a popular Twin Cities area car club during the 1950s.
A lover of motorsports, Wes enjoyed spending time at local speedways supporting his friends and sponsoring numerous racecars. In his younger years, he loved being outdoors—fishing, snowmobile racing, camping and exploring Michigan’s natural beauty. He was also an avid collector, with a keen eye for coins, stamps, baseball cards, antiques, and automobile and gas station memorabilia.
Wes will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his creative spirit, and the many ways he shared his passions with others.
Wes is survived by his children, Deborah Vliet, Rebecca (Eric Toth) Eichler-Toth, and Wesley F. (Sherri) Eichler all of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Kristen (Chris) Crumley, Aimee Mazurek, Sarah Pollard, Katherine (Chris) Fry, Ashlee Eichler, Kelli (Zach) Kerns and Timothy Eichler; great-grandchildren, Wesley T., Wyatt, & Emma Eichler, Nora & Sullivan Mazurek, Carter Crumley, Emmitt & Henry Kerns; sister-in-law, Linda Eichler; and beloved four-legged companion, Clara. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Ione; wife, Bobbie; infant twins, Denise and Diane; and brother, Robert Eichler.
Posted On: Monday, October 13, 2025 9:37 AM
