John Vander Ecken

Funeral services for John Vander Ecken, 92, of Melcher-Dallas, will be held Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Melcher-Dallas. Military honors will be conducted at the funeral home. Following the service, the family will receive friends until 3:00 p.m., with refreshments served.

Memorials in John’s name may be made to the Melcher-Dallas American Legion Post 632.

John Leroy Vander Ecken was born December 20, 1933, in Melcher, Iowa, to James and Alice (Robinson) Vander Ecken. He was one of twelve children, so needless to say, the Vander Ecken household was never short on excitement! John often shared the story of his mother hanging him on the clothesline just to keep track of him while she did the laundry. Times were tight, but the children always had one another, and those close family bonds lasted a lifetime. John was proud of the entire Vander Ecken family, and nothing made him happier than a good family gathering.

John graduated from Melcher High School with the Class of 1951. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the United States Army, spending much of his time stationed in Germany. As a heavy vehicle driver, John learned to operate tanks, a skill some might argue carried over a little too well into his everyday driving. He was known to drive his cars and pickups much like he drove a tank, occasionally running into things, finding himself in a ditch, or even getting out before putting the vehicle in park. Over the years, John and his buddies retrieved their fair share of vehicles from the ditches and ravines around Melcher-Dallas. There was never a shortage of stories when John was around!

On November 24, 1955, John married Leone Lash. Together they raised a large family: Cheri, Kevin, Kim, Jim, and Steven, and enjoyed watching their family continue to grow. John and Leone loved to dance, and John was quite the dancer. He even perfected his own signature dance, the “Johnny V Shuffle”, much to the embarrassment of Leone.

Hard work was simply a way of life for John. He spent 30 years working at John Deere in Ankeny, but his workday rarely ended when he got home. He roofed houses, built garages, cut wood, and worked alongside Leone at the bar. John was always willing to lend a hand and never seemed to sit still for long. Leone passed away in 2003, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family they had built together.

John was a loyal friend, and some of his friendships truly lasted a lifetime. Doyle Brown and Ralph Branson had been his friends since they were toddlers. He loved the outdoors and spent countless hours hunting deer, coyotes, birds, raccoons, and, of course, mushrooms. Fishing was another favorite pastime. He also spent plenty of time cutting firewood, not only to heat his own home but to make sure others had enough to keep warm, too.

In 2006, John married his friend, Jackie Cooper. Together they continued enjoying life, making memories, and spending time with family and friends.

As much as John enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, and telling stories, his greatest joy was always his family. He had a special place in his heart for the little ones. If John wasn't telling a story, chances were he was holding a baby. He loved having the grandchildren stay overnight and would carefully make pallets on the floor for them, making sure each one was just right. Christmas was another favorite time of year, and his famous French cookies became a tradition the family will always remember.

John lived a full life, filled with hard work, laughter, friendship, and family. He had a story for nearly every occasion, a helping hand for anyone who needed one, and a love for his family that never wavered. Those stories, the laughter, and the memories of time spent together will be treasured for generations.

John passed away surrounded by his family on October 13, 2026, at the age of 92.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie; children: Cheri Williamson, Kevin Vander Ecken, Kim (Ted) Roberts, Jim (Naomi) Vander Ecken, and Steven (Andrew) Vander Ecken; grandchildren: Shantal Daggett, Jennie (Mike) Kennedy, Gretchen (Jeff) Burch, Johnna (Ryan) Vander Ecken, Anthony (Megan) Amos II, Allison D. Allison, Justin Vander Ecken, Lillian Vander Ecken, Leroy Vander Ecken, Susan Vander Ecken, Levi Vander Ecken, Bryce Ludwig, Nash Ludwig, and Julia Ludwig; 28 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; sisters: Karen (Danny) Flick and Elinor Clark; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Leone; parents, James and Alice Vander Ecken; daughter, Robin Ludwig; and siblings: Kenneth Robinson, Junior Vander Ecken, Phillip Vander Ecken, Charlton Vander Ecken, George Vander Ecken, Margaret Morrow, Marie Mattingly, Mary Alice Jones, and Betty Burt.