Frederick "Rick" Eichrodt III

Frederick “Rick” George Eichrodt III, age 73, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick “Fred” Eichrodt Jr. and Margaret “Marge” Eichrodt; his sister, Lynn King; his daughter, Teri Armstrong; and granddaughter, Zoë Manley. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and storytelling that will forever be cherished by his wife of nearly 37 years, Debbra; his son, Chris (LouAnna); daughters, Nancy Manley (Vince), Amanda Eichrodt (Jimmy), and Angela Butler; grandchildren Tyler Rutledge (Hope), Shelby Rutledge, Rachel Tolliver, Morgan Rutledge, Haylie Armstrong, Gavin Manley, Wyatt Manley (Shawna), Willow Manley, Reagan Butler, Callen Manley, and Connor Wilson; and great-grandchildren Bailey and Olivia.

Rick grew up in the Broad Ripple area, where his lifelong gift for storytelling began among family and friends. He attended Christ the King School before graduating from Broad Ripple High School in 1970. Following in his father’s footsteps, Rick joined the Indianapolis Fire Department in 1976, serving his community with dedication and courage for 32 and a half years. He retired in 2008 as a Lieutenant on the Tactical Support Unit at IFD 18, leaving behind a career marked by service and integrity.

Beyond firefighting, Rick had a passion for tinkering and restoring outboard motors—a love passed down from his father. He attended OMC Outboard School in Wisconsin and later co-founded Eichrodt’s Marine Service with his dad in the 1990s. His involvement with the Antique Outboard Motor Club was a source of pride, where he served in leadership roles and was honored with a lifetime membership in 2024. He also led the Michiana Outboard Boating Chapter for many years, sharing his expertise and enthusiasm with fellow club members.

Rick’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He loved gathering with them for cookouts, riverside afternoons in Constantine, Michigan, or simply sitting outside on the Oasis, telling stories that could stretch for hours. His warmth, humor, and ability to make every moment memorable will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Flanner Buchanan - Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in the Good Shepherd’s building (9700 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250). Family and friends are invited to come together to honor Rick’s remarkable life and share the stories he so loved to tell.