Richard "Ike" Eickholt, 76 of Columbus, Nebraska, died Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at his home in Columbus, Nebraska after a long cancer battle.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, September 1 at 10:30 AM, at Trinity Lutheran Church (2200 25th Street, Columbus) with Pastor Brandon Foster officiating. Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home with a "Time of Sharing" beginning at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. There will be a family prayer service on Wednesday at 10:15 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials received by the family, will be given to organizations that help children suffering from cancer.

Ike was born July 15, 1945, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Anton and Ida (Dandurand) Eickholt. He grew up in Sioux City, graduated from East High School in 1963 and attended Nettleton Business School. He married Barbara Dean in 1967 and together they had three children. In 1991, he married Valerie Slagter and together they had one son.

He enjoyed a 30 year career with Iowa Public Service beginning in 1966 where he excelled as a Project Manager, spearheading major corporate initiatives. In 1997, he began work at Nebraska Public Power District in Columbus, in a similar role. He retired and then spent nine years in St. George, Utah, before returning to Columbus.

Known for memorable one-liners coined "Ike-isms" and legendary vodka gimlets, Ike loved Iowa Hawkeye sports, his "male bonding time" during bowling, fishing and golf, sixties music, and traveling. Most knew him for his vibrant smile, big heart, and life wisdom.

Ike is survived by:
Wife: Valerie Eickholt of Columbus, NE
Son: Christopher "Spike" Eickholt (Anna) and grandsons Mattias Brandt and Henry Eickholt of Lincoln, NE
Daughter: Tammy (Mel) Eickholt Schroyer and grandsons Levi and Isaac Schroyer of Roseville, MN
Son: Scott Eickholt (Michele Pagan) of Seminole, FL
Son: David Eickholt of Iowa City, IA
Sisters: Marlene Zacek and Kathleen Wacheldorf of Sioux City, IA
Several nieces, nephews, and friends

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Roland (Elizabeth) and Donald (Lola) Eickholt; one sister, Margaret (Glen) Lundblad; brothers-in-law, Don Zacek and Robert Wacheldorf; and a nephew, Brian Johnson

Service Folder Information
MAN IN THE GLASS

When you get what you want in your struggle for self,
and the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself,
and see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your father or mother or wife
whose judgement upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people might think you're a
straight-shootin' chum,
and call you a wonderful guy;
but the man in the glass says you're only a bum,
if you can't look him straight in the eye.
He's the fellow to please; never mind all the rest,
for he's with you, clear, up to the end.
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test,
if the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down
the pathway of years
and get pats on the back as you pass;
but your final reward will be heartaches and tears,
if you've cheated the man in the glass.
- Anonymous


The family of Ike Eickholt wish to express their sincere gratitude to family and friends for the flowers, memorials, and many expressions of love that were extended at the time of Ike's passing and throughout his illness and lifetime.
We are richly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.
God's Peace to All ~


In Loving Memory Of

Richard "Ike" Eickholt

Born
Sunday, July 15, 1945
Sioux City, Iowa

Entered Into Rest
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Columbus, Nebraska

Celebration of Life
Wednesday, September 1, 2021 10:30 AM
Trinity Lutheran Church
Columbus, Nebraska

Officiant
Rev. Brandon Foster

Music
Ann Cattau - Accompanist and Soloist
"Well Done"
"Ave Maria"
"I Did It My Way"
Congregational Hymn
"It Is Well With My Soul"
Music – "How Great Thou Art" – Elvis Presley

Casket Bearers
Jack Alexander
Terry Allison
Ed Discoe
Mark Kampfe
Bruce Matthey
Greg Porter

Honorary Bearers
Rex Gittins
Tom Marshall
Doug Osborn
Bob Parks

Interment
Columbus Cemetery
Columbus, Nebraska