John Edward Ekwall, 74, West Liberty
Obituaries · October 06, 2016
John Edward Ekwall, 74, of West Liberty passed away early Wednesday morning, Sept. 28, 2016, in Iowa City, following a courageous battle with cancer.
An informal gathering celebrating John’s life was held Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at the Parish Life Center at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Liberty. A Memorial mass was held on Monday at St. Joseph. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com. A memorial fund has been established.
John was born July 27, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of John Edward “Ed” and Dorothy (Kelleher) Ekwall. He was a graduate of Regina High School in the class of 1961. On Aug. 20, 1966, he was united in marriage to Nancy Lynn Fuller, just recently celebrating 50 years.
John served in the National Guard for several years, and was employed with the University of Iowa as the manager in the mail room, retiring in 1999 after 30-plus years. Most recently he enjoyed working at the Simpson Memorial home in West Liberty.
John was devoted to his family and friends and had an unwavering love for his grandchildren. “Johnny Hawkeye” loved University of Iowa sports, bowling, fishing, coaching girls softball, his Friday night “dinner crew,” convertible rides with granddaughter Hope, and his beloved dog, Brenna. He was proud to serve as the announcer for West Liberty football games for 26 years. John was a friend to all, and never met a stranger.
He is survived by wife Nancy; daughter Anne (Joel) Hocke of West Liberty; son John (Erin) Ekwall of Indianapolis, Ind.; three grandchildren: Hope Hocke and Jack and Evan Ekwall; sister Kay Ekwall of Iowa City; and many special in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
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