John was born on June 14, 1930, in Waterloo, Iowa to Ralph and Florence Landgraf Eickelberg. He was raised in Waterloo and graduated from Waterloo East High School with the Class of 1948. He also attended Grinnell College. Following his graduation, he worked in the financial sector and had served as President of Grinnell Federal Savings and Loan while living in Grinnell. He was married to Shirlee Gormly on December 24, 1948 and to this union was born eight children, Terry, Phoebe, Susie, Nancy, Julie, Peggy, Ted, and Sarah. The couple was married for 24 years. He is survived by his children, Terry (Cheryl) Eickelberg of Adel, Phoebe (Mike) O'Connor of Centerville, Susie (Art) Johnson of Grinnell, Nancy Baumgartner of Grinnell, Julie (Fred) Reed of Johnston, Peg (Randy) Hausler of Iowa City, Ted (Jenelle) Eickelberg of New Braunfels, Texas and Sarah (Bob) Jameson of Cincinnati, Ohio; 21 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and one sister, Ruth Spencer of Centerville. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sister, Phoebe Kyle and Dorothy Balster. In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, the family would simply enjoy your presence at the memorial gathering.