Lloyd Eckhart

Lloyd John Eckhart, 71, of Grundy Center, Iowa, formerly of Mason City, passed away January 2, 2018 after a battle with Leukemia. “Big John” had won many battles, including a stem cell transplant, but decided to move on to the big island in the sky and give Saint Peter someone to keep an eye on. A visitation will be held Saturday, January 6, from 12-3 PM at Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center, Iowa. A private burial will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family to be donated to The Gift of Life Transplant House. Engelkes- Abels Funeral Home is caring for John and his family.

John was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on November 6, 1946 the son of Lloyd and Arlene (Vogt) Eckhart. John received his schooling in Williamsburg, IA graduating with the class of 1964. John served in the United States Navy as a corpsman, serving his country honorably from 1964-1968 and loved his time spent upon the USS Independence. On June 8, 1969 John was united in marriage to Lynne Larson in Williamsburg, Iowa. John went on to achieve a master’s degree from the University of Iowa in clinical laboratory science.

John was a friend of Bill W for over 30 years and pursued a life of progress, not perfection to the end. His promises came true in various ways as he pursed and succeeded professionally and personally in many endeavors. He had a long and fulfilling tenure as the director of laboratory services at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, Iowa and then moved to finish his career in the quality control division of the Mayo Clinic laboratory system in Rochester, MN. “Big John” was a person for whom work was important but it didn’t define him. John had several hobbies and was an excellent chef known for many dishes. John was an avid photographer and captured everything from theater performances to wildlife and family photos across America. John was an avid traveler, inspiring many family trips and he learned, taught, befriended, and lived like the gate was left open.

John is survived by his wife Lynne; children Karl (Lisa) Eckhart of Washington D.C., Erika (Bob McIntire) Lamp of Grundy Center; sisters Susan (Duane) Schaefer of North English, IA, Sharon (Don) Grimm of Williamsburg; grandchildren Julian and Tallula Lamp. John was preceded in death by his parents.