Photos: Gary Eichten retires

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Midday host Gary Eichten, who retires on January 20, eats microwave popcorn and drinks a Diet Coke for lunch at his desk, as he does every day, Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Gary Eichten, left, interviews Gov. Mark Dayton during one of the last Midday programs Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 in the MPR News studios. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Gary Eichten looks over a framed proclamation from Gov. Mark Dayton that declares Eichten's last day as Midday host, January 20, to be Gary Eichten Day in Minnesota. With him are newsroom colleagues Kate Smith, center, and Tom Weber, right. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Midday host Gary Eichten reads the news at his desk Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. After 45 years with Minnesota Public Radio, most recently has Midday host, Eichten will retire on January 20. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — At home with his dog Ella at his feet, Midday host Gary Eichten prepares for an upcoming interview with former Vice President Walter Mondale Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 in St. Paul. The show will be taped during a live event at the Fitzgerald Theater and aired on Eichten's last day. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Midday host Gary Eichten relaxes after work with his wife Joann Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 at their St. Paul home. The two met at Minnesota Public Radio, were married less than two months later and have been together for more than 30 years. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Midday host Gary Eichten, with his wife Joann by his side, hosts a party for the people who produce or have produced his show over the years Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012 at Mancini's, his favorite restaurant. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Gary Eichten, right, laughs as colleagues share stories about his 45-year career at Minnesota Public Radio during an afternoon news meeting Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. Behind Eichten is Midday producer Sara Meyer. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, MN, USA — Midday host Gary Eichten, left, interviews Garrison Keillor at Minnesota Public Radio in St. Paul, Minn. on Friday, Jan. 13, 2012. (MPR Photo/Tim Nelson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — A photograph of Gary Eichten's father, Victor, as a young man, is displayed prominently on his desk along with other photographs of his family and his dog. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Midday host Gary Eichten answers e-mail messages at work on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Retiring Midday host Gary Eichten, right, listens as former Vice President Walter Mondale congratulates him for his 45 years of service to Minnesota Public Radio during a farewell party Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 at the Fitzgerald Theater. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Well-wishers crowd the stage to say goodbye to retiring Midday host Gary Eichten, right, during his farewell party at the Fitzgerald Theater on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012. Shown here is retired Star Tribune sports reporter and analyst Jim Klobuchar, whom Eichten has described as one of his heroes. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Gary Eichten,left, spends a few moments in the spotlight on stage at the Fitzgerald Theater Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 as MPR President Jon McTaggart and others honor Eichten for his 45 years of work in the MPR newsroom. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo

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St. Paul, Minnesota, USA — Gary Eichten reacts with a smile and a cheer for his longtime producer Sara Meyer, left backround, after reading a News Cut blog post about her contribution to Midday written by colleague Bob Collins Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012. (MPR Photo/Jennifer Simonson) link to this photo