Remembering Henry Eikhoff

Henry John Eickhoff
August 11, 1922 – June 7, 2016
Henry John Eickhoff was born on August 11,1922 in Hartford, Connecticut, the firstborn child of Theodore H. Eickhoff and Clara Strasen Eickhoff. He graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1939. Following his parents’ desire that he go into the Lutheran ministry, he entered the Lutheran College system and received a Bachelor of Divinity in 1942.

Henry then decided to pursue music, attending Northwestern University where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Organ Performance in 1950. He continued his studies at Northwestern earning his Ph.D. in Music History and Literature in 1960. In the meantime, he was appointed to the faculty of Central Washington University in 1950 where he became Professor of Music, teaching organ and other music courses.
During his esteemed career, he trained many professional organists including Saint Mark’s Cathedral’s (Seattle) Chapel Organist Emeritus. After his retirement from Central Washington University in 1989, Henry moved to Seattle in 1996 where he continued attending concerts, playing his harpsichord, remaining active in the Northwest chapters of the American Guild of Organists and the American Musicological Society, attending Saint Mark’s Cathedral, and sharing his gracious hospitality with many friends. Henry was a highly intelligent and gifted man; he was also kind, patient, and calm. He was principled and had high expectations but never expected more from anyone than himself.
He is survived by two sisters, Elizabeth Hanak and Miriam Kussrow, and his brother Theodore (Margaret). Henry’s service will be at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral or to the Salvation Army.