John Eitel, 93, of Ames, passed away in the comfort of his home on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, surrounded by his loving family and wife of 70 years. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at St Thomas Aquinas Church 2210 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014. A public visitation will be held on Sunday, July 18, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames IA 50010.
John was born on June 13, 1928, to Albert and Harriet (Coffee) Eitel in Dubuque, Iowa. John graduated high school from Loras Academy and then enlisted in the Marine Corps. After his military service John attended Loras College where he met and would soon marry the love of his life, Patricia Morrey on November 23, 1950. John continued his education and graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Tri State College in Indiana. John's long and successful career began working on the country's new interstate system. Through the years some of his favorite accomplishments included earning his Professional Engineering license, being Lead Engineer of both the Desalination Plant in Jubail, Saudi Arabia; and Waterplace Park in Providence, R.I. Although he enjoyed his work, John's family was his greatest accomplishment.
John's family has many fond memories growing up. He was the family nurse, with a remedy for everything, but most things were solved with Vicks Vapor Rub up the nose.
He could be a little bossy but that never hampered his love for his children until they were late getting up for school. He would whistle heading down the hall, gradually getting louder, until he was in their room, turning on the lights, opening the shades and pulling off their blankets.
John and Pat retired to Ames where John was involved in Friendship Ark, YSS, and Special Olympics.
John was a humble man, never one to take a compliment, but always one of the first to give one. John will be missed and honored by the countless lives he touched.
Left to cherish John's memory is his wife of over 70 years, Pat, and their six children: Margaret Eitel, John Eitel, Jr. (Simone), Mary Emery, Thomas Eitel (Camie), Catherine Eitel Elsenbast (David) and Jane Eitel, 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Harriet, 1 sister and 2 brothers.
online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
My deepest sympathy to Pat and the Eitel family. I want you to know that YSS is very grateful for John's volunteer service on our building and grounds committee. His experience as a contractor and developer was very helpful to YSS. Pat and John were very supportive of the YSS mission and attended YSS events and donated. Our headquarters, located at the corner of 5th and Kellogg, made us neighbors with the Eitels. John kept his eye on our property, and every time I passed by their second-floor outdoor porch, I would say hello. As CEO Emeritus of YSS, I thank John for his friendship and support.
Dear Jane and Family,
My condolences on your loss. I have fond memories of John. I especially enjoyed the times I spent eating his food creations, talking, drinking, and listening to stories. When I first met John, he reveled in scaring me with his tall presence and commanding tone of voice. I quickly learned he was actually a warm, kind, and giving person with a fun, silly side. I feel lucky to have met him! With Sympathy, Pam M.
Hello, I was always impressed when John and I would meet at St. Thomas at early Sunday liturgy. I liked his smile. Then I learned he had somehow been involved with Friendship Ark which was impressive to me. I was impressed with you also Pat as a couple and as an individual. And then because of the covid problem that early liturgy became unavailable, I didn't get to see either of you anymore. You both are special people, you helped each other to be special. Yes loneliness will happen, yet this is a more intense kind. When one experiences this kind of loneliness it can make one really thankful of the time the couple was together and have an extreme thankfulness to the one who gave togetherness to the couple, Our Father. I will remember both of you and your family in prayer. Joe Johanns
Dear Aunt Pat and family,
Mike and I send our deepest condolences. Uncle John was truly a wonderful source of encouragement, knowledge and fun for you all. We are sincerely sorry for you loss.
Suzi (Palmer) and Mike Jump
Visitation
Ames, IA 50010
Service
Ames, Iowa 50014
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