Steven Eichinger:
CLASS OF 1973
North High SchoolClass of 1973
Oshkosh, WI
Oshkosh High SchoolClass of 1973
Oshkosh, WI
Perry Tipler Middle SchoolClass of 1970
Oshkosh, WI
Franklin Elementary SchoolClass of 1967
Oshkosh, WI
Winneconne Elementary SchoolClass of 1967
Winneconne, WI
Steven's Story
Wow!!! Where has the time gone?!!
I pretty much grew up in Oshkosh having moved there from Winneconne in '65 and went to Oshkosh High during the 70/71 (sophomore) school year before the days of West and North.
For my 71/72 (junior) school year I was a boarding student at Elgin Academy in Elgin, IL. That was a very interesting experience for me. I disliked being there at that time because it was such a change from being in Oshkosh with my friends, also, there was a loss of freedom to living in a dorm at school there. During breaks I had to take the bus to get home and back, it was an eight-hour bus trip each way, it sucked! The education I received was excellent though, and I had some awesome teachers, English, American History and Chemistry were standouts for me. Looking back, I was probably lucky for my time there, but it didn't seem that way then. I did make some good friends that I'm still in contact with.
Then I moved to southern California in September of 1972, went to Palomar College in San Marcos, CA for a while, then Miramar College in San Diego for two years where I studied Aviation Maintenance Technology.
From the time I moved to So Cal, I spent a lot of time at the beach and surfing became my main sports activity although I did manage to get in a lot of snow skiing during the winter. I also got into scuba diving when I first arrived as they offered a certification class in college that covered a sports requirement, but I lost interest in it after a few years and sold all my gear. After becoming a parent, it became very difficult for me to keep doing these activities, surfing takes a great deal of effort and even more if you get out of shape. You’re not just trying to catch waves you’re also battling for position with the other surfers out there to catch the waves. I still have my boards though!
I am an FAA certified A&P I.A.(Airframe & Powerplant mechanic with Inspection Authorization). I've worked in various areas of aviation and aerospace since 1978 including an airline until shortly after 9/11. I early retired from US Airways and w...Expand for more
as working in aerospace manufacturing at General Atomics-ASI making military UAV's (drones), I retired in July 2023. I should have retired a few years before then, It's actually kind of scary for me because I am so used to working and there will be an income adjustment. I would like to find a place close by that I could work part time on aircraft and may look into that soon, but most places want full time.
I am married and have a wonderful daughter. I still play the guitar and was in a couple of local bands over the years and am currently with a band mainly doing sound and sit in playing. I recently put my own band together and plan to gig somewhat regularly soon. The then photo that is posted here is from 1974 when I was at Palomar college.
I made it to the 50th Oshkosh High reunion in August 2023 and really enjoyed seeing old friends again, I always enjoy these events and visiting the area. It was a great time for me. I was there for about ten days total.
It looks like there will be an Oshkosh North and West '73 class get together on August 15th, 2025, celebrating what for most would be a 70th birthday party. I plan to be there from August 13th though the 25th. I always enjoy these, getting to see old friends and acquaintances is always a good time for me.
*Update: I went to and really enjoyed the 70th birthday party reunion, also was invited to the North high School class of 1975, that was a good time as well. I spent 13 days in Oshkosh this time and feel I needed at least another week there.
I lost touch with almost everybody over the years and would really enjoy hearing from old friends and classmates, even just to say a brief hello.
In closing, I have a few videos on YouTube of me playing at the Kraken and down the road at Tower 13, both in Cardiff, CA. My daughter recorded the Kraken gig. I'm not allowed to post the link here but it's easy to find by searching my name on YouTube; Steve Eichinger at the Kraken. Apparently, there is more than one Steve Eichinger posting videos on YouTube, and I thought I was unique! I'm the one playing guitar.
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