Harold John “Pat” Erkel
ERKEL, POEHLER, TEMPLE, JONES, BENINGA, AVERHOFF
Posted By: Sarah Fletcher (email)
Date: 1/29/2024 at 08:02:12
Harold John “Pat” Erkel died on December 23, 2023, at his home in Iowa City, IA, after fighting cancer. The family will host a private celebration of life. Interment with military honors will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Green, IA.
Pat was born on October 11, 1936, in Waverly, IA, to Alfred H. and Renetta (Poehler) Erkel of Sumner, IA. Pat was the third Erkel boy, all sharing the same birthday, exactly four years apart. He attended schools in Sumner and had fond memories of living with his grandparents for part of that time. Pat enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954 and served in Europe for two years. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1957 and served at The Pentagon, Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico, and Duluth International Airport. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. After returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, AZ before medically retiring in 1967.
While serving in Vietnam, he received a letter from Mitchell Beninga, an elementary school student from Greene, IA and they became pen pals. Upon returning from the war, he surprised Mitchell’s mother, Ms. Joyce Ann (Temple) Beninga, at her office, to thank her for their letters of support. His opening line was, “Box 141?” It began a wonderful friendship and romance, and they married on August 3, 1968.
They moved to Le Claire, IA where they lived for twenty-two years. Their son, Kyle M., was born on June 23, 1970. In 1973, Pat was hired at The Republic Companies in Davenport, IA where he worked for 33 years before retiring in 2006. He was active in and served as Commander for the American Legion Post #347 in Le Claire, IA. He and Joyce also enjoyed hosting and forming lifelong connections with international exchange students from Haiti, Beliz, and Costa Rica. After retiring, they moved to Iowa City, Iowa, where they lived with their son Kyle and his wife and helped to raise their granddaughter, Aissa.
Pat loved his country and was a proud veteran. He was a true gentleman and family man and will be remembered for his sharp wit, tender heart, and charming personality.
Pat is survived by Joyce (Temple), his beloved wife of 55 years; son Kyle M. (Sherri) of Iowa City; sister Gretchen (Guy “Jeep”) Jones of Metamora, IL; Brother Robert (Jenny) of Lynwood, WA; three grandchildren: Aissa Erkel, Michael Beninga, and Jennifer (Matthew) Averhoff; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Mitchell (Linda), and a brother Walter (Evelyn).
Memorial contributions can be made in Pat’s name to the Gary Sinise Foundation for veterans at garysinisefoundation.org/donate
Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service
Johnson Obituaries maintained by Cindy Booth Maher.
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