Paul Eikanger

PAUL EIKANGER

Cedar Rapids

Paul Eikanger, 77, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2017, after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

He was born Jan. 15, 1940, in Canton, S.D., to John and Solveig (Petersen) Eikanger. He grew up in Canton and attended Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D., receiving a degree in business, but more importantly, he met the love of his life, Judy Peterson. Paul and Judy were married July 22, 1967, at Zoar Lutheran Church in Revillo, S.D. He served in the Air Force Reserves from 1963 to 1969 while he was starting his career in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Together they raised two children in Cedar Rapids Kim and Steve and lived there until 2010.

Paul worked the majority of his career at Mutual Fire and Automobile Insurance, where he retired as its president in 2003.

Paul had a laid-back friendly way about him. He always enjoyed his time with good friends and family. He loved nothing more than a fun-filled weekend with his family and his boat on Coralville Reservoir in Iowa. He especially enjoyed time with his granddaughters and looked forward to seeing them all. While in Cedar Rapids, Paul was active in Lions Club, particularly its sight program, and was a longtime member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

Paul is survived by his wife, Judy (Peterson) Eikanger of Olathe, Kan.; his daughter, Kim (Eikanger) White of Olathe; his son, Steve (Liz) Eikanger of Peyton, Colo.; four granddaughters, Madison White, Ava Eikanger, Gabrielle White and Laurel Eikanger; sister, Mary (Eikanger) Eliason of Canton, S.D.; brother-in-law, Jim (Jane) Peterson of Revillo, S.D.; and sisters-in-law, Janice (Peterson) Hamak of Gary, S.D., and Marilyn Eikanger of Sioux Falls, S.D. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Eikanger; his mother, Solveig Eikanger; his brother, LeeRoy Eikanger; his brother-in-law, Harley Eliason; and his brother-in-law, Merl Hamak.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 8, at 10:30 a.m. at Zahrback Funeral Home in Madison, Minn.

Above all else, Paul enjoyed time and good conversations with family and friends. Because of the onset of dementia, his family and friends were cut short on many good conversations that were left unsaid over the past seven years.

In lieu of memorial contributions, we ask you to take a loved one for a good cold glass of iced tea and enjoy a thoughtful conversation with them. And please say cheers to Paul!