Eugene Francis Garthoff

Eugene Francis "Jim" Garthoff, 89, of Elk Run Heights, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2022 at home. Eugene was born on February 27, 1933 at St. Francis Hospital in Waterloo, son of Phillip William Garthoff Jr. and Lois Margaret (Weldon) Garthoff.

Phillip and Lois raised their six children (Richard "Dick", Shirley, Eugene, Jack, Marlys and Judy) in homes on Adams St in Waterloo and on Brookside in Evansdale. Lois loved polka music, she would have her young children sit on the living room sofa to watch as she would dance for them. Phillip worked at John Deere, and also had his own mechanic shop, to support his family. Eugene was the only son to work on cars alongside his dad. Unknownst to Phillip, Eugene, along with his cousin Curtis and a few friends, would take customers' cars out joyriding…before any of them were legal to drive! He finally found out about it when the cops called to say they had Eugene and Curtis (and friends) in jail…

Eugene met his sweetheart Lucille Curtis in high school; Lucille called him Jim and she was Lucy to him. Lucy struggled with passing her classes so Jim studied with her, most times at her parent's house on Hogle St. in Waterloo. If he stayed late and was pushing the limits of his curfew, Jim would take Lucy's bike to get home on time. One night as he was walking home to Adams St. (on the train tracks thru the stockyard) he heard "There he is, get him". He ran the rest of the way home, later telling Lucy that he never ran that fast before in all of his life! Besides working with his dad and spending time with Lucy, Jim played football and baseball.

The year 1951 was a big one for both Jim and Lucy. Jim graduated high school early in January at 17 years old. They were married on January 27th, then in February Jim turned eighteen. Jim often said that Lucy "robbed the cradle" since she was his senior by one year. Ricky Lee, their firstborn, arrived June 1st, the day Jim would have walked for graduation. The family of three lived with Lucy's parents, Ora and Luella Curtis, at first, before moving to their own home on Fox St. in Evansdale.

In between growing their family of five children (Rick, Debra, Sue, Jolene and Mike), Jim worked extremely hard to support Lucy and their kiddos. At times he worked three jobs consecutively, at Rath's, John Deere and his own gas station. He also drove a semi-trailer delivering groceries for Nash Finch while laid off from Deere's. Jim and Lucy did find time between his jobs to create their five kids…Lucy often said that Jim wouldn't leave her alone!

Jim retired December 13, 1991, having worked 32 years at John Deere. Jim was a divisional steward, steward, and committee man in the UAW Local 838. He enjoyed fixing and maintaining the equipment that helped build the famous John Deere green/yellow tractors. But more so he valued the friendships he made during those years. Gary Knobel and Eugene (known as Gene at work) were best buds and were known throughout the engine plant as G & G wrecking crew, with nicknames of Fat Man & Weenie Arms. Gene loved to go fishing and became an avid walleye fisherman. His good friends Gary Knobel, Dick Kramer, Ray Davis and Harlan Ackerson fished many years with Gene at Lake of the Woods, Kabetogama Lake and Namakan Lake. Gene's brother Jack, brother-in-law Gibb, and later, sons Rick and Mike went on some of those fishing trips with Gene and his fishing buddies.

Jim and Lucy would take their kids fishing in Minnesota (Camp Dell's in Waterville and Mabel's Resort and Galaxy Resort on Star Lake) for summer vacations. And this tradition of theirs has continued to this day, with their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids!

After retiring, Jim and Lucy were snowbirds in South Padre Island, Texas. Jim enjoyed walking the beach, taking part in the annual walk across the bridge and meeting new people. He was very social and could talk to anyone. Lucy would ask Jim, "Did you know that person?" and he replied, "Just had to say hello." Lucy collected seashells from her walks on the beach and Jim collected iron wood carvings from Progresso, Mexico. These items have been gifted to family, which are greatly treasured.

Jim and Lucy were married for 72 years, having a beautiful life together. Jim lost his sweetheart August 19, 2021 but was reunited with her in heaven last Saturday. He lost his battle against cancer but proved his "mind over matter" philosophy by surviving cancer three times during his lifetime. He was loved by his family and friends, he will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by five children, Rick (Sharon) Garthoff of Evansdale, Debra (Josie) Backes of Waterloo, Sue Good of Mason City, Jolene (Jeff) Scarbrough of Evansdale, and Mike (Paula) Garthoff of Terrell, Texas; nine grandchildren, Heather (John) Schaefer of La Porte City, Phillip (Sommer Tovar) Garthoff of Evansdale, Jason Backes of Witchita, Kansas, Tasha Good of Mason City, DJ (Staci) Good of Indianola, Shawna (Jamie) Kuehl of Raymond, Sarah (Matt "Marv"-nickname given to him by Papa Gene) Mangrich of Raymond, Shane (Allison) Garthoff of Dallas, Texas, and Jennifer (Justin White) Garthoff of Mansfield, Texas; seventeen great-grandchildren, Taylor, Hunter, Caelyn, Logan, Hayley, Hailey, Cole, Jax, Kade, Mason, Owen, Ava, Ellie, Luke, Marshall, Adam and Jacob; six great-great-grandchildren, Bryker, Zayden "Zay Zay", Jordan, Donovan, McKenzie and Destyn (coming any day now!); and sister Marlys Timmer of Elk Run Heights.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; wife Lucy; daughter-in-law Sharon Garthoff; and siblings, Dick Garthoff, Shirley Seamans, Jack Garthoff and Judy Garthoff.