In Memory of Jack J. Eggspuehler

Jack J. Eggspuehler, age 72, formerly of Ida Grove, Iowa, passed away at home on January 9, 2021, with his family by his side in Omaha, Nebraska. 

Per Jack’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held Friday, January 15, 2021.  A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date due to COVID. The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the arrangements and condolences may be left online at christensenvanhouten.com.

Jack J. Eggspuehler was born August 20, 1948 to Don and Eleanor Eggspuehler in Iowa Falls, Iowa.  Growing up next to the river provided many fond memories with his three brothers and one sister. He graduated from Iowa Falls High School in 1966 where he wrestled, played football and was an amazing trumpet player.  After high school he began working in a factory until 1970 when he started college at Buena Vista in Storm Lake, Iowa where he received his bachelor’s degree in Economics.

Jack met the love of his life, Jill (Fults) Eggspuehler the day he was born.  They were born just three hours apart in the same hospital; they were destined to be together.  Their love story began in high school, through college and they were united in marriage on May 31, 1969.  Following Jill’s graduation from college, she accepted a position in Ida Grove to be an elementary school teacher so Jack happily moved with her.  Each year on the first day of school, he would bring her a red rose for each year she had taught.  Also, on her first day of teaching in 1970, he took her to school on his motorcycle.  When she retired, he surprised her and picked her up on his motorcycle. 

In 1972, he began working at Ida County State Bank (currently United Bank of Iowa) as a cashier.   He progressed throughout his entire career and was elected to the bank’s Board of Directors in 1984.  Throughout his banking career, he was a dedicated, honest, hardworking and helpful person who was always willing to lend a helping hand.  He mentored numerous colleagues and friends because he loved seeing others succeed.  During his tenure, he was a member of the Iowa Banker’s Association and assisted growing the bank from serving two communities to over 30.  He retired from the bank in 2009 but remained an active member of the United Bank of Iowa Board of Directors until his death.

Their family grew in June 1978 when they learned a beautiful baby boy, Justin Scot, would become their first child.  In 1986, their family became complete when they were told an adorable baby girl, Jennifer Ann, was born and would become a member of their family.  Jack was a loving father who never missed an event.  He was always the one ‘woot wooting’ in the stands and audience; even traveling to watch Justin intramural wrestle at Iowa State at midnight.  Jennifer and her father spent a lot of time together and share a unique love for finance.  This love for finance developed at a young age as Jennifer would “work” on the weekends with her father in his office at the bank and continued throughout his life and into her career.  Jack loved to attend any and all events of his two grandchildren, Cyler and Cole.  When he was not able to attend an event, he would watch online or have it recorded.  Cole put it best, “I will have the biggest fan watching over me while playing baseball.”  His two granddogs, Lily and Cali, were always at his side when around as well.

Jack was extremely active in the Ida Grove community.  Throughout his 41 years living in the community, he was a member of Kiwanis, volunteered for the Ida Grove fire department, led the effort to build a wrestling room at the OABCIG High School and was a driving force behind the Ida Grove Recreation Center becoming a reality.  We know he touched and helped many of you but is simply too many to list.

Two of Jack’s passions were wrestling and the Iowa Hawkeyes.  Black and gold ran through his veins.  He attended the NCAA National Wrestling Tournament 26 years and was an Iowa wrestling season ticket holder for several years.  He was definitely one of Iowa Hawkeye Wrestling’s biggest fans. 

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jill; his children Justin (Tonya) Eggspuehler of Omaha, Nebraska and Jennifer Eggspuehler of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Cyler Eggspuehler and Cole Eggspuehler; his brothers Don (Lynn) Eggspuehler, Bob (Sue) Eggspuehler and Gary (Kerry) Eggspuehler and his sister Julie (Tim) Latimer; along with many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and other family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Eleanor Eggspuehler.

In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation https://www.parkinson.org in honor of Jack.  If you prefer to send arrangements, please send to Christiansen Van Houten Funeral Home or if you have a family member’s address, you may send directly to them.