Ike (Ron) Eickhoff, 80, passed away on February 4th, 2024 surrounded by his family at Good Samaritan Society-Auburn. Ike (Ron) was born in Falls City, Nebraska on December 9,1943, to Marvin and Clara Eickhoff. Ike grew up in rural Dawson, until 1948, when the family moved to the Johnson/Auburn area.
He attended Johnson Public School, graduating in May of 1963. After graduation he was employed with Armstrong Cabinets until he retired in 2009. During this time, he met the love of his life Janet (McCue) and were married on June 4th, 1965, at Coryell Park, rural Johnson. In his marriage of 59 years, they welcomed three children Steven, Eric, and Karla.
They raised their family in Auburn where they were involved in various organizations such as the Eagle’s Club and the Auburn gardening club. Ike’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening with a fond memory of a Canada fishing trip with several of his good friends. He was a dedicated volunteer member of Auburn Fire and Rescue squad for 30 years, having served as Chief and Captain during his tenure. He enjoyed teaching CPR and storm spotting during severe storms.
Those who were lucky enough also got to enjoy his specialty of homemade deer jerky and famous fish fry’s. One of Ike’s greatest joys within his family was supporting his children and their endeavors but most of all his love and admiration and joy for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always being their biggest fan.
Ron is survived by his wife Janet of Auburn, son Steve (Jackie) of Sterling, son Eric of Omaha, daughter Karla Cash (John) of Humboldt, sister Carol Bierman (Gary) of Falls City, grandchildren Tabatha Caldwell (Nate) of Lincoln, Katie Cummings (Larry) of Sioux Falls, SD, Jazzy Eickhoff of Lincoln, Brent Eickhoff of Sterling, Emma and Erin Cash of Humboldt, and five great-grandchildren Adlee, Maddox, Donny, Mandi Jo and Everly, along with other sisters- and brothers-in-law and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Clara and granddaughter Amanda. The family would like to thank Good Samaritan Society-Auburn and St Croix Hospice for their care of Ron these last few years of his life. The Family wishes any donations or memorials be made to Auburn Fire and Rescue and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Auburn.
A funeral service was held Thursday, February 8, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Jackie Gfeller. Edith Schlange played accompaniment for congregational hymns. Vaughn Severs, Chris Jobe, Darwin McCollum, Shawn Clark, Russ Koerner, and Jay VonBergen served as casket bearers. Honorary bearers were Ike’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Burial followed in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery at Auburn with graveside final call and tolling of the bell by Auburn Volunteer Fire Department.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.
