John Edwin Elliott, Jr.
February 21, 2014
John Edwin Elliott, Jr., 55, of West Des Moines, passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 21, 2014. John was born October 30, 1958 in Burlington, IA. The family moved to Washington, IA in 1963. Upon graduating high school in 1977, John attended the University of Iowa where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1981.
John spent his 29 year career at Merrill Lynch. He was an Assistant Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor where he faithfully served his clients. John took great pride in his ability to simplify any client’s financial life by helping them develop strategies for managing their personal investments.
John absolutely loved his alma mater the “Iowa Hawkeye’s”. During football season he could be seen at all of the home games tailgating and loyally cheering on his Hawkeye’s in Kinnick Stadium. He also loved the Iowa Barnstormers - where he was the clock operator for 25+ years. John was the off-ice official for the American Hockey League Iowa Stars/Iowa Chops. He was an avid political enthusiast and enjoyed blogging. His love of politics was sparked when, at 16, Maria Shriver and her family visited his home, Keck Mansion.
John’s gentle spirit and charismatic smile touched all who knew him in a very special way. His inspirational love of life was expressed in his love for his family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rosemary Elliott. He is survived by the love of his life, Jacqueline Wittrock Riekena; his siblings, Lynn Elliott of Fairfield, IA, Tim (Patty) Elliott of Ainsworth, IA, Beth (Michelle) Elliott of Baton Rouge, LA; his nephews, AJ Elliott of Davenport, IA, Mitchell Elliott of Ainsworth, IA, and Kyle Elliott of Fairfield, IA; nieces, Johannah and Dallas Petersen of Riverside, IA, and Megan Beenblossom of Independence, MO.
Visitation will be held Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 5 to 8 pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, February 28, at 10:30 a.m. at the Basilica of St. John, 1915 University in Des Moines.
Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Renee
11/06/2014
For 11years, I've not missed John's birthday, but I did this year. This morning I texted, "though this might be late, you're not forgotten. Hope you had a great day." Tonight I realized I never got a reply, which he always did either by text or call, so I called...was disconnected. Then I thought I'd call his work number & was disconnected. So I did a search and saw that my dear friend was gone. I'll always remember our talks and how we once celebrated your birthday. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Love you my friend...
Jessica and family
07/10/2014
I guess this is what happens when you don't keep in touch with a dear friend. You up and call their number and it is disconnected. You email and it returns. He was a 15 year friend of mine...he saw me through a divorce, dating life, and then the adventures of getting back with the man I divorced! For many years he told me to write a book of my love life because I'd call daily with yet another adventure while he counseled and laughed. We hadn't kept in touch much the past few years but when we would talk- oh the wonderful conversations we had about Jackie and how much he loved her and how proud he was that she won grand prize at the fair. And how my husband and I need to come down to the next fair. I will miss our bantering of Huskers vs. Hawkeyes. My last contact was a vacation he recommended this past winter. He was such a wonderful person. He will be missed greatly. My condolences to Jackie and his family. You were all greatly loved by him!
Denise Chelmsford
03/28/2014
It is with great sadness that I learned about John's passing. He was a very special friend and will be missed terribly. He was a wonderful man. My condolences to the family.
Joshua
03/04/2014
He was a great man and mentor!
Randy
03/04/2014
How much do we actually know about John?
Read through the comments below about John that was filled Wednesday, May 04, 2005
1. Name as it appears on birth certificate: john edwin anthony elliott jr
2. Nicknames: jb
3. Piercing: just a fan
4. Eye color: hazel
5. Place of birth: Davenport Iowa
6. Favorite food: hot roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes
7. Ever been to another country? Yes, several
8. Ever been toilet papering? of course
9. Love someone so much it made you cry? YES
10. Been in a car accident? yes, a few
11. Croutons or bacon bits? Bacon
12. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
13. Favorite restaurant: Cosi Cuchina
14. Favorite flower: rose
15. Favorite drink: dew
16. Favorite ice cream: Ben and Jerry cherry Garcia, Haagen Daaz chocolate chip tie
17. Disney or Warner Bros.? love the rabbit
18. Favorite fast food restaurant: WENDY"S
19. How many times did you fail your driver's test? never
20. Which store would you choose to max out your
credit card? best buy
21. What do you do most often when you are bored? sleep
22. Favorite TV shows: Iowa Hawkeye Football game
day broadcast
23. Name of your pet: Girbaud
24. Ford or Chevy: Nissan
23. What is your favorite color? Red
22. Lake, ocean or river? Ocean
23. How many tattoos do you have? none, yet
24. Have you ever run out of gas? nope
25. If you could go anywhere in the USA, where would
you go? San Diego, San Fransisco, Colorado, Florida tie
26. If You could go anywhere in the world where
would you go? Banff, St. Lucia, Rio, Australia,
climb Everest, tie
27. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? looking
for a dump station for the RV---
I hope this made you smile!
Jeannine
03/03/2014
I was so shocked to read that John had passed. He was a special friend to my family and me. He never said a bad thing against anyone. John was always encouraging and thoughtful. He loved visiting his brother Tim and family, and spoke highly of them always! My favorite advise from John was "Just SAY NO" which helped me learn to stand up for myself many times. I will miss our talks and reflect on our travels together. You will be missed so much.
Patty Peek-Brady
03/03/2014
Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Our hearts and prayers are with the family.
Libby
02/28/2014
John was a longtime friend of mine, though I hadn't spoken to him in far too long. He was my first friend when I moved to Des Moines and was always willing to help me out and take me to great places to eat. He always had a listening ear and great advice. I always felt that he would be there to help anytime and anywhere. I'm sad to hear of his passing.... the world lost a good man
Carol (Peterson) Brown
02/27/2014
Lynn, Tim and Beth: I am so sorry of your loss. You are in my prayers as you grieve for your brother. I recall many memories of our childhood together with all of you. My sympathies to you and your families.
Russ Wolf
02/27/2014
I had the privelage and pleasure of meeting John as we worked the Iowa Stars as off-ice officials. He was truly a gentleman and funny, happy guy. R.I.P. and God Bless his family.
John Gamble
02/27/2014
I am very saddened to learn of John's passing. I will always remember him as a true gentleman. My sincere sympathy is extended to his family and loved ones.
Toni Little Barnes
02/26/2014
Keep your eyes on Me! Waves of adversity are washing over you, and you feel tempted to give up. As your circumstances consume more and more of your attention, you are losing sight of Me. Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand. I am fully aware of your situation, and I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear.
Your gravest danger is worrying about tomorrow. If you try to carry tomorrow's burdens today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today. It is is the present moment that I will walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens.Keep your focus on My Presence in the present.
Psalm 73:13 1 Corinthians10:13
Mike McCreary
02/26/2014
Hearing of John's passing saddened me greatly. Jacqueline, please know that my family's prayers are with you during this time. Keep the faith and know that God has opened his arms and welcomed John home.
Joyce and Jerry Bryan
02/26/2014
Each of you are in our prayers and have our deepest sympathy. Remembering you as great neighbors.
Bob and Judy Bowen
02/26/2014
Little we knew that morning,God was going to call your name, in life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go along, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side.