y 23, 1935 in Fort Dodge. He attended schools in Fort Dodge. On July 30, 1955 he was united in marriage to Shirley Coughlon. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1955 and served until his honorable discharge in 1957. Following his discharge, he returned to the farm. In 1965, he joined the Fort Dodge Police Department, retiring in 1990. He owned and operated Eilers Hotel and The Cellar Restaurant with his son, Joe. Following a fire in 1994, Joe and his son purchased Budget Host Inn. Joe retired from the business in the late 1990's. He was the official driver for all of his great-grandchildren. The most important thing in his life was his family. He enjoyed hunting and camping. Memorials may be left to family discretion.