Joseph Eisenhofer Obituary

Obituary of Joseph Eisenhofer

Joseph Eisenhofer passed away on July 25, 2025 at the age of 72, after an intense battle with cancer that began in December 2024.

Joe was born on April 12, 1953 to Joe and Colletta Eisenhofer. He was the second of four children and the only boy in the family. He was born and lived in Iowa City his whole life. Joe followed in his dad's footsteps having first worked at the US Postal Service and then for the rest of his career, as a master carpenter. He built more cabinets and sanded more Corian countertops than he could count. He was particularly proud of the bedroom furniture that he made for his grandchildren and the cabinets that he built that were in the cancer center at the University of Iowa hospital where he received treatment. It was always fun to hear him share that fun fact with his doctors and nurses. Joe retired in April of 2021.

Over the years, Joe shared many life lessons with his two daughters, Josie and Katie, some more well received than others. Their fondest lessons which they will continue to carry with them were, 1. You do not need anything in your wardrobe besides a good pair of jeans and a black t-shirt; 2. When your car is making noise, you should check to see if you put gas in it and that the gas cap is on tightly. That solves most of your problems; 3. The weather channel is an underutilized resource; 4. You should have a good toolbox, especially a good hammer and tape measure; and 5. Next year will definitely be the Jets year.

He had many roles throughout his life, but his favorite was definitely Grandpa. He loved attending swim lessons, coach pitch tee ball games, Irish dance performances, and lacrosse games. There were always skittles, fruit snacks, juice boxes, and everyone's favorite snacks when Grandpa was around. Liam, Finnegan Kate, and Sydney were the center of his world and his support for them will continue to be felt and his physical presence missed at their activities and in their lives.

Joe handled his cancer diagnosis and his cancer fight in the same way he handled most things, quietly, with strength, and with a bit of annoyance. His fight to find a cure will continue as he has elected to donate his remains to the University of Iowa hospital to further medical education and research.

Joe's family includes his daughters, Josie (Kevin) Lewis and Katie (Jeff) Ellwanger; grandchildren, Liam, Finnegan Kate, and Sydney; sisters, Cathy (Steve) White and Chris (Bill) Donahue; brother-in-law, Rex Baumback; the mother of his daughters, Cathy Eisenhofer; his uncle Bill Hoye, many nieces and nephews, and former coworkers and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Joanne Baumback.

Joe's daughters would like to extend their deepest thanks and gratitude to the staff at St Croix Hospice and The Bird House. Our dad was well cared for, recognized, and treated with dignity by every member of your teams. The fact that you all showed up and provided light during a truly dark period for our family is something we will be forever grateful for and never forget. On behalf of our whole family, thank you.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to The Bird House Hospice Home of Johnson County. A gathering for family and friends to share and support one another in Joe's honor will be held from 4 to 6 pm Saturday, August 2 nd. at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Casual attire encouraged please.