BIOGRAPHY

Martin Eichel was born in Schauenburg, Hesse, Germany, on 13 July 1907. Even in his later years, he fondly recalled watching his father forge hot iron in the family’s village blacksmith shop. However, his childhood was marked by loss—he was just seven years old when his father passed away. At 14, he moved to Kirchditmold to live with an aunt and train as a carpenter.

During World War II, he served in anti-aircraft defense and was tasked with illuminating enemy planes during the Kassel bombing raid. Yet, even in the midst of war, he found love—he married his wife, Traute, in 1942, and at the war’s end, they welcomed their son, Norbert.

Eichel later built a career as an inspector for Deutsche Bahn and was granted a plot of land in Kirchditmold. He initially fashioned a makeshift home from an old railway wagon before eventually constructing his house. His adventurous spirit led him to travel across the world. Through it all, faith remained his foundation.

At 100, he traveled to the Black Sea. At 107, he was still cycling daily, and at 108, he was still able to play a round of ping pong with his grandson. At the time, he was still playing the piano every day and, on good days, could recite the psalm “The Lord is my Shepherd” in five different languages. Until the spring of 2015, he lived independently in his home in Kirchditmold. After a fall, he moved into a nursing home in Harleshausen.

Martin Eichel passed away in Harleshausen (Kassel), Hesse, Germany, on 18 September 2017, at the age of 110 years, 67 days.

RECOGNITION

His age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Zu jung für Mittagsschlaf” – Brain-Speed, 4 January 2016

* “Kasseler Martin Eichel ist mit 108 Jahren einer der ältesten Deutschen” – HNA, 4 January 2016

* “Zweitältester Deutscher aus Kassel ist tot” – HNA, 28 September 2017

GALLERY