Lester K.

Eigenbrod

Lester K. Eigenbrod (1939-2026)

“The strength of a man is in his character. A strong man is a great man of wisdom who understands, his top priority is to his family.“

It all began in Boston with a VW Beetle and a chance meeting with a young woman that would soon become his wife for the next 61 years. They had 2 children and he completely immersed himself into filling their lives with sports, travel, academics and most importantly, copious amounts of love. Years later that same passion was extended to his 5 grandchildren, attending countless volleyball games, soccer matches, cross country meets, choral concerts, and graduations. He loved his family completely and unconditionally—punctuating every visit with a hug that usually lifted you off the ground, or a vice-like handshake accompanied by words of wisdom.

Born and raised by a tight German-American family in Manchester, Connecticut, he graduated from Wentworth Institute and later Northeastern University with both undergraduate and master degrees in Mechanical Engineering. It would be easy to focus only on Lester’s professional accomplishments. As an engineer with Linde Division of Union Carbide, (later Taylor-Wharton) he was credited with 7 US Patents in cryogenic related innovations. That was followed by achieving emeritus status as a tenured professor at Purdue University, School of Technology, and being published in multiple engineering journals and featured as the cover article of Scientific American.

He was also a fiercely competitive endurance runner, competing in numerous half and full marathons including the legendary Boston Marathon. Later he directed his focus on triathlons, sailing and mountain climbing. Beyond athletics he was a Master Gardener, member of Scientech, and let’s not forget—a heck of an accordion-player with an affinity for polkas!

However, Lester’s defining characteristic was his love for family.

He is survived by his loving wife Janet, who never left his side, their children, Craig Eigenbrod (Kay) and Laura Barnhorst (Tom), and 5 grandchildren: Morgan, Julie, Emmy, Max and Erik. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kurt and Erna Eigenbrod; and his brother, Kurt.

Services will be held at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg on Thursday, November 12. Visitation 11AM-1PM, followed by services at 1PM

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Indiana Alzheimer Disease Research Center:

https://give.myiu.org/iu-indianapolis/I380010041.html