Retired USAF Lt. Colonel Henry 'Hank' J. Eiden died April 8, 2008, after a long illness. He was born in Stevens Point on September 2, 1939. Mr. Eiden joined the Air Force under 'Operation Boot Strap', becoming a navigator. He served with the Strategic Air Command at Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan. During this time, he attended Central Michigan University, graduating with a degree in mathematics in 1965. In 1968, Captain Eiden entered the Georgia Institute of Technology, completing a masters in mathematics and course work for a Ph.D. in computer science. Following his time at Georgia Tech, Major Eiden served as a Navigator aboard the C-130 Spectre gunship flying out of Ubon, Thailand from 1972 through 1973. After returning to the States, Major Eiden fulfilled orders with Electronic Systems Command at Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts from 1973 through 1978. During that period, Major Eiden spent a year in Birkenfeld, Germany. Lt. Colonel Eiden's last tour of duty as Deputy Director of Information Systems was served at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. Lt. Colonel Eiden's lengthy Air Force career included numerous awards including the USAF Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. In 1981, Lt. Colonel Eiden retired from the USAF and settled in Charlottesville, Virginia with his family. During retirement, Hank was anything but retired. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 114, and often could be found on his tractor tending to the Eiden property in Earlysville. In the mid-1980s, Mr. Eiden fulfilled his passion for the outdoors by re-opening a small azalea nursery. As a way to continue supporting his country, Mr. Eiden founded Eiden Enterprises, Incorporated in 1981 to bring high skilled computer consulting to government agencies in the central Virginia area. The company, now known as Eiden Systems Corporation, continues to provide support to the Department of Defense, the Commonwealth of Virginia and various firms in Charlottesville. Later in his life Mr. Eiden developed a strong interest in ballroom dancing. As part of a vision to establish Charlottesville as a central place for competitive dance instruction, Mr. Eiden opened Virginia DanceSport Academy. Until his illness, Virginia DanceSport Academy served to train Mr. Eiden and numerous Charlottesville dancers in preparation of dance competitions in the area. Mr. Eiden was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Michael and Virginia Precourt Eiden of Stevens Point. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Fredrick Eiden and Robert Eiden. He is survived by his children, Melanie Jo Eiden, Charlottesville; Michael Douglas Eiden, Charlottesville; Allison Marie Orta (Eiden), Pearland, Texas; Leslie Suzanne Eiden, Charlottesville; Henry Matthew Eiden, West New York, New Jersey; Elizabeth Anne Eiden, Oakland, California; two brothers, Maurice Eiden and Richard Eiden; and a sister, Mrs. Ruth Schulfer. Mr. Eiden is also survived by nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A viewing will held at Hill and Wood Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Monday, April 14, 2008. A funeral service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church at 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 14, 2008. In recognition and honor of Mr. Eiden's distinguished military service to our country, burial services with full military honors will be held at 3 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, May 28, 2008. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to 'Memorial Giving' in care of the National Military Family Association, Inc., 2500 North Van Dorn Street, Suite 102, Alexandria, VA 22302-1601.

Stevens Point (WI) Daily Journal, Thursday, April 10, 2008