David Nicholas Eickholt

David Nicholas Eickholt—beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend—passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025.

Dave was born in Delphos, Ohio on January 7th, 1949. He was a graduate of Delphos St. John High School, THE Ohio State University, and The University of Dayton earning a Master’s degree. Dave taught high school English for 30 years at Van Wert High School. His favorite book to teach was “To Kill a Mockingbird” and like the story’s protagonist, Dave’s integrity was something to aspire to.

Dave, or Ike as his friends christened him, was the epitome of a hard worker. Dave took on countless jobs in addition to his full-time teaching. He was the custodian at the old First Financial Bank for more than 30 years, leaving after dinner each night with at least one of his kids in tow to assist (instilling an incredible work ethic in his children at young ages). He painted rooms and houses in the summer, and was so skilled at painting he managed a perfect trim line without using painter’s tape. He taught GED courses at the Delphos Public Library, and after retiring from Van Wert High School, he taught several years at The University of Northwestern Ohio as an adjunct professor. He also served as a Delphos City Councilman and volunteered at various events over the years.

Dave was his happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Whether on the golf course with friends, the beach with his grandchildren, or playing euchre around a kitchen table, Dave was in his glory connecting and laughing with people.

If you walked in his back door on 5th Street (affectionately known as the Delphos drop-in), he was up serving a drink before any guest even had a chance to sit down. Dave never knew a stranger, and all were welcomed guests in his home.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Ruth Eickholt and his loving and witty sisters, Patricia and Sharon. His parents and sisters helped mold him into the fun loving humorist everyone wanted to be around.

Dave married his high school sweetheart, Deborah Ann Klausing in 1972, and they built a remarkable life together. Dave and Debbie shared more than 53 years together as inseparable devoted partners, creating countless treasured memories. They built a loving home and solid foundation for their family.

In addition to Debbie, Dave is survived by his children: Ryan (Laura) Eickholt of Dublin, Ohio; Adam (Angela) Eickholt of Delphos, Ohio; and Kara (Justin) Wasylczuk of Ostrander, Ohio; and his 7 grand-daughters: Emerson, Avery, Grace, Addison, Ainsley, Maeona, and Liv.

To his grand-daughters, he was affectionately known as Papa. He loved to tease them and to be teased. Laughter was always present in time spent with Papa. Dave always prioritized family. He and Debbie loved Hilton Head, South Carolina, and that special trip became a summer family vacation tradition for more than 15 years.

Debbie lovingly cared for Dave for the last several years of his life as his health declined. She wasn’t alone in caring for Dave. To Dave’s exceptional supportive caregivers, Elaine and Stacey, to all the hospice caregivers, and to all the friends and family, especially Joe and Niki Clark, who have given their time and assistance during Dave’s illness, the family is forever grateful.

Rest well, loving husband, Dad, Papa, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions to be made to THE Ohio State University College of Nursing Dementia Caregiving Fund (fund number 318135 at giveto.osu.edu) or to CHP Home Care & Hospice, located at 1500 East Fifth St. Delphos, Ohio 45833.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Delphos St. John’s Catholic Church on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10:00am, 331 E. Second St. Delphos, OH, 45833, with burial to follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

Following mass and burial, the family will greet friends at the K of C Hall in Delphos, where food and refreshments will be served.