West Liberty, Iowa John Edward Ekwall, 74, passed away early Wednesday morning in Iowa City, following a courageous battle with cancer. An informal gathering celebrating John's life will be held Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 3 to 6 P.M. in the Parish Life Center at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Liberty. A Memorial mass will be held at 10:30 AM. on Monday at St. Joseph. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com. A memorial fund has been established. John was born July 27, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of John Edward “Ed” and Dorothy (Kelleher) Ekwall. He was a graduate of Regina High School in the Class of 1961. On August 20, 1966 he was united in marriage to Nancy Lynn Fuller, just recently celebrating 50 years. John served in the National Guard for several years, and was employed with the University of Iowa as the manager in the mail room, retiring after 30+ years in 1999. Most recently he enjoyed working at the Simpson Memorial home in West Liberty. John was devoted to his family and friends and had an unwavering love for his grandchildren. "Johnny Hawkeye" loved University of Iowa sports, bowling, fishing, coaching girls softball, his Friday night “dinner crew”, convertible rides with his granddaughter Hope, and his beloved dog Brenna. He was proud to serve as the announcer for West Liberty football games for 26 years. John was a friend to all, and never met a stranger. He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Anne (Joel) Hocke of West Liberty, son John (Erin) Ekwall of Indianapolis, Indiana. Three grandchildren: Hope Hocke, Jack and Evan Ekwall, sister Kay Ekwall of Iowa City, and many special in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.