John Eitel, 93, of Ames, passed away in the comfort of his home on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, surrounded by his loving family and wife of 70 years. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at St Thomas Aquinas Church 2210 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014. A public visitation will be held on Sunday, July 18, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames IA 50010. John was born on June 13, 1928, to Albert and Harriet (Coffee) Eitel in Dubuque, Iowa. John graduated high school from Loras Academy and then enlisted in the Marine Corps. After his military service John attended Loras College where he met and would soon marry the love of his life, Patricia Morrey on November 23, 1950. John continued his education and graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Tri State College in Indiana. John's long and successful career began working on the country's new interstate system. Through the years some of his favorite accomplishments included earning his Professional Engineering license, being Lead Engineer of both the Desalination Plant in Jubail, Saudi Arabia; and Waterplace Park in Providence, R.I. Although he enjoyed his work, John's family was his greatest accomplishment. John's family has many fond memories growing up. He was the family nurse, with a remedy for everything, but most things were solved with Vicks Vapor Rub up the nose. He could be a little bossy but that never hampered his love for his children until they were late getting up for school. He would whistle heading down the hall, gradually getting louder, until he was in their room, turning on the lights, opening the shades and pulling off their blankets. John and Pat retired to Ames where John was involved in Friendship Ark, YSS, and Special Olympics. John was a humble man, never one to take a compliment, but always one of the first to give one. John will be missed and honored by the countless lives he touched. Left to cherish John's memory is his wife of over 70 years, Pat, and their six children: Margaret Eitel, John Eitel, Jr. (Simone), Mary Emery, Thomas Eitel (Camie), Catherine Eitel Elsenbast (David) and Jane Eitel, 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. John is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Harriet, 1 sister and 2 brothers. online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com