Dr.  Rudolph “Rudy” John Eichenberger, 80, of Magnolia, AR, passed away Friday, April 8, 2022, at the Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana, TX.

Rudy was born on June 10, 1941, in Pawnee City, NE, to Rudolph and Mildred (Dezort) Eichenberger. He was a lifelong educator. He graduated with high honors from his high school class at Pawnee City High School in 1959. He attended Peru State College in NE, graduating with high honors in 1964. He went on to receive his master’s degree in Science from Emporia State College in KS in 1969. He received his Doctor of Physics degree in 1972 from Northern CO. He taught at Eureka College until 1981 when he was hired by Southern Arkansas University. He was a well-respected, energetic, and brilliant physics professor at SAU. He was also a huge supporter of various departments and programs with the university. 

Rudy was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 47 years, who he met while they were teaching at Eureka Illinois College, Sharon (Miller) Eichenberger, and sister in law Lesa Eichenberger.

He is survived by his brothers Robert and wife Judy of Talmage, Nebraska, Arnold of Pawnee City, NE, and Daniel of Burchard, NE, and many nephews, nieces, colleagues, and friends.

Funeral Services 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 22, 2022, at Salem U.C.C. Church, Steinauer, NE. Officiating Pastor Eric Biehl and Reverend Ken Tubbesing. Visitation on Friday at 9:30 a.m. an hour before the service.  Interment at the Salem U.C.C. Cemetery, Steinauer, NE.  Memorials may to the family's choice.  Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Dan Dykema, Dr. Del Duke, Dr. Debe Kincaid, Dr. Adel Bachri, Dr. Trey Berry, Dr. Hasan Shehada, Dr. David Rankin, Josh Kee, Dr. David Ashby, Harry Kolb, and Michael Boyd.  Pallbearers are Dan Cyza, Case Eichenberger, Chad Eichenberger, Eric Eichenberger, Evan Eichenberger, KC Sohl.