'Voice of the Vikings' dead at 42

Just nine days after the passing of his father, Curt, a longtime area farmer, Ross Eischens passed away Tuesday morning at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.
He died peacefully surrounded by family members following a sudden unexpected illness, according to family members. He was 42.
Eischens was often referred to as "The Voice of the Vikings" as he was the public address announcer for Minneota High School football games for 24 seasons and for the high school wrestling team for over 20 seasons.
Eischens was an avid sports fan, having been in wrestling football and baseball at Minneota. He qualified for the state wrestling tournament his senior year and placed sixth.
"Ross always went above and beyond for Minneota," said Vikings' head wrestling and assistant football coach. "Not only was he supportive of athletics, but everything else in the community. He was one of the best volunteers we've ever had here. He was always so easy to work with."
Eischens' younger brother, Wade, recalls his brother announcing Minneota sporting events.
"It was always fun wrestling or playing football and hearing my brother announce my name," Wade said. "He loved doing what he did."
Eischens would "welcome" fans to games, read the sportsmanship code, and then introduce the players. During the game, his voice could be heard throughout town telling those in attendance who carried the ball, who made the tackle, what down it was, and how far to go for a first down.
"It's always unfortunate when something like this happens to such a young individual who has plenty of years of life ahead of them," said Minneota football coach Chad Johnston. "Ross was a common figure for so many years, and you get accustomed to that common voice and sound, especially for football on Friday nights. I will really miss hearing him announce 'No smoking at the Komp'. He did such a great job."Eischens was also the public address announcer for the Minneota Mudhens for 10 seasons, as well as the emcee for the Boxelder Bug Days Queen Coronation for several years.
"When you think of Ross, you instantly think 'The Voice of the Komp'," said Mudhens manager Tyson Sonnenburg, referring to his announcing games at K.P. Kompelien Field. "For as long as I can remember, whether it was football or baseball, Ross was on the mic and nobody did it better. Ross volunteered many hours announcing Mudhen games. The time he gave to come and announce our games was such a selfless act and will always be remembered and appreciated by all of us."
"Ross was always willing to MC for Boxelder Bug Days coronation and other events for the weekend," said Bug Days chairman Scott Josephson. "He had a great speaking voice, knew all the names, and was always very easy to work with. We will certainly miss his calm demeanor and warm, rich voice as part of Boxelder Bug Days celebration."
Eischens farmed north of Minneota for many years, across the road from where his father farmed.
Ross and his wife, Amanda, were married last year. He had two stepsons, Parker Eischens and Devon Beinert.
"My family appreciates all the warm thoughts and support we've received for my dad and my brother," Wade said.
Curt Eischens died on his 70th birthday on July 3 at his home.
Ross is survived by wife and two stepsons, and siblings Stefanie (Jared) Eischens of LeSueur, Laura (Todd) Bjorgo of Woodbury, and Wade (Chelcie) of Hendricks, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Curt, and mother, Wendy.