John Edwin Elliott, Jr.
February 21, 2014
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Service Details
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.
Janette Larkin
02/26/2014
I was shocked and saddened to learn of John's passing. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his family who is feeling the pain of this sudden loss.
John and I served on the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors together. He was smart and fun -- a great combination. Please know how respected he was among his business acquaintances.
Sheryl (Miller) Clemetsen
02/25/2014
To the family of John, my heart goes out to you. Such a sudden loss of a great, gentle, happy soul. Grade school thru High School, John was always a bright, polite, and handsome classmate. May he rest in peace. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Brenda (Lomen) Carey
02/25/2014
To all of John's family, I was very surprised and sorry to hear of John's passing. Keep your memories close, they will help you get through this most difficult time. I will be thinking of you all.
Paul Voelker
02/25/2014
I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing. I considered John a leader and friend as a classmate in Washington. John played a mean trumpet back at school, much better than me. I followed his politics and he encouraged me to become involved. I know he helped many clients over the years achieve financial security. He will be missed and is in my prayers.
Marty Sojka
02/25/2014
My deepest sympathy for the family. John was a great friend in high school and a good person. He will be missed. RIP John.
Tabatha
02/25/2014
My sincere and deepest sympathy to jakie and johns family for your loss you are in my prayers.
Tony Leyden
02/24/2014
My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to John's family and friends. Remebering back to our neighborhood Cub Scout den located at John's house with his mom as our den mother. Good times and great memories! God Bless.
Kevin Bruegge
02/23/2014
Tim, Lynn, Beth and your families -
Was shocked and saddened to hear of John's unexpected passing. Way too soon for everyone.
John was always upbeat and fun to be around back in the day.
Please know that my whole family is deeply saddened and lifting you up to the Lord for Strength! Please stay strong and keep your Faith.
God Bless you all.
Joni Hammond Haldeman
02/23/2014
I am so very sorry to hear about John! He was a joyful classmate and I know will be missed by all! My prayers are with his loved ones and friends . God Bless .
Matt Hotle
02/23/2014
So very sad to hear of John's passing. Am remembering the happy times we had when we were band mates in the trumpet section for WHS Jazz Band and later roommates at Iowa. My prayers are with John's family.
Lyle L. Thomas
02/22/2014
To the Elliott family, my heart goes out to you and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. John was a tremendous classmate and friend .
Kristine Armstrong Kriener
02/22/2014
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Way to young! Class of 77 WHS
Lori Squires West
02/22/2014
Oh my Tim, Lynn, Beth (and your kids). I'm so sorry for the loss and passing of your big brother. What a shock and tragedy! Just spoke with him last week and he was upbeat as always. John will be greatly missed by so many.