John Lewis Ege

John Lewis Ege, age 76, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away on June 17, 2025, after a courageous two-year battle with dementia. Born on March 23, 1949, in Sioux City, Iowa, to John Norman and Patricia (Dalgliesh) Ege, John lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a lifelong passion for the game of baseball.

John graduated from Central High School in Sioux City and attended Wayne State College, where he played shortstop for the Wildcats. He was a key member of the 1973 Wayne State baseball team, one of the most successful in school history. John was recognized for his outstanding play, earning a spot on the Nebraska NAIA All-Star First Team. The 1973 team was inducted into the WSC Athletics Hall of Fame on October 1, 2005, a testament to their enduring legacy.

John’s dedication to the sport continued after college. He became a three-time All-World fastpitch softball player with Penn Corp as an infielder and proudly served as a player/manager for the Gateway 2000 Soos. Notably, John was selected to represent the USA Team at the 1979 Pan American Games. He was also inducted into the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame in 1996, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the sport. He was known for his competitive spirit, his quick reflexes, and his ability to inspire his teammates. He cherished the camaraderie of his fellow players and the thrill of playing at Hubbard Park.

Beyond his athletic achievements, John’s greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted father to Jeff Ege, Cory Ege and wife Shayna, Cody Ege, and Curtis Ege and wife Sidney. He delighted in coaching and cheering on his sons, and his pride in their accomplishments was boundless. He leaves behind a legacy of love for his five grandchildren: Emma, Ellie, Trice, Everly, and Charli.

John is survived by his sons and grandchildren, his siblings Ron Ege and wife Steph, Bruce Ege, and Cheryl Eves, and a large extended family including many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

John will be remembered for his infectious humor, his unconditional love, his generous spirit, and his enormous heart. He gave endlessly to those he cared for and lived life to the fullest. He always said that his family was everything, and his friends were a close second.

Family and friends will gather in Sioux City, Iowa, on July 19, 2025, during the Hubbard Park Legends Game, to remember and honor the life of John – a fitting tribute to his enduring love of the game.