Harry Joseph Eggers

Harry lived what he believed. He was raised in Northern Iowa and Lyle, Minnesota where his parents owned the Home Town Café. When he was 15 he moved to Waterloo, Iowa to work and live with his brother, Leland Powers. He was introduced to Nora Sloan by mutual friends. They were married on February 3, 1959. The young couple resided in Waterloo for many years. Harry and Nora enjoyed bowling league, playing cards, boating and fishing.

Harry worked at Rath Packing, John Deere, farmed and co-owned Tri City Tree Service, a tree trimming company, with his brother Leland. During the 34 years he was employed at John Deere he was a Union Steward for UAW local 838 much of that time.

In 1970, the couple and their 3 children moved to a farm north of Parkersburg, Iowa. Life on the farm was an adventure and included raising pigs, corn, sheep, gardening and canning. Harry and Nora met and developed a lifelong friendship with neighbors, Bill & Madonna Schroeder. Bill and Harry spent countless hours together working their two farms, planning various “exploits”, fishing and hunting. They also became active members of the Parkersburg United Methodist Church. Harry served as a trustee and lay leader. As lay leader he attended the UMC Annual Conference many times.

Harry was a devoted father. He taught his children the importance of family and hard work. The family enjoyed frequent gatherings with extended family and annual fishing trips to Minnesota and Canada. He always had a “whistle while you work attitude”; teaching them hard work can be fun.

After losing his wife of 54 years, he found a wonderful companion, Linda Schlichtmann. The two took many spontaneous and planned trips. Including two journeys to Idaho and Washington; trips to Branson, Mo and Chicago, IL, and an unforgettable trip to Michigan in 2017 to the Testicle Festival. In May this year, they were fortunate to travel to England.

Harry enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, Sudoku, watching “the crazies” (Days of Our Lives) and westerns on TV. He was an avid reader. He spent time reading at work and read through the Bible several times.

Harry’s greatest joy was his grandchildren. He attended more events than can be counted over the years; recitals, school concerts, sporting events, church programs. He believed they were the best at everything they did and was the proudest person in the stands watching them. He was a wonderful example of unconditional love.

Harry passed away from lung cancer on Saturday August 4, 2018 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. His final days were spent surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Nora; brothers, George, Leland, Butch; and sister, Jean.

Harry is survived by his companion, Linda Schlichtmann; son, Kenneth Eggers of Parkersburg; daughters, Deborah (Randy) Eilderts of Ackley and Cynthia (Jim) Torvik of Waukee; sisters, Bonnie (Joe) Brooks of Marshall, MO and Joyce (David) Young of Lyle, MN; twelve grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

Everyone will miss Harry’s positive, funny, full of life attitude.

Memorial services will be at 10 am on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at the Parkersburg United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 9 am until service time. A celebration of Harry’s life will take place at the Eggers farm after the activities at the church are completed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com for the Eggers family.