Lori Machelle Eilers

Lori Machelle Eilers, 64, beloved wife, mother, daughter, and friend passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2026. She was surrounded by her loving family while in the compassionate care of the hospice team at Unity Point Taylor House.

Lori was born on April 13, 1961, in Sioux City, Iowa. She grew up in Sioux City and graduated from East High School in 1979. On June 21, 1980, she married Randy Louis Eilers, beginning a partnership and family that would become the great joy of her life.

Lori devoted 35 years of her career to serving as a children's minister with the Assemblies of God, a calling she pursued with extraordinary dedication and heart. She served as a children's pastor across Iowa, Tennessee, and Texas. In 2016, she proudly earned her ordination as a minister with the Assemblies of God. Throughout her ministry, Lori poured herself into her communities by launching a bus program, feeding local families, volunteering with the Boys & Girls Club, and mentoring younger ministers along the way. She spent many cherished summers as a counselor and camp pastor at Sunstream Retreat Center and had a deep passion for teaching students the Bible through Junior Bible Quiz. She also served as a Teacher's Associate at Parkview Middle School in Ankeny, Iowa, where she was loved by students and staff alike.

Lori had a gift for hospitality. She welcomed everyone into her home with open arms and an extraordinary meal, making every guest feel like family.

She is survived by her husband, Randy Eilers; her children, Micaela (Zaki) Deghmoum and Keaton (Aundrea) Eilers; her father, Larry Kunkel; her stepmother, Val Kunkel; her brothers, Norman Mackey, Mike Mackey, Paul Kunkel, and Matt Kunkel; her sister, Tonya Bolam; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other cherished family members.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Diane Mackey; her stepfather, Norman Mackey Sr.; her brothers, Chad Mackey and Dan Mackey; and her sister, Julie Brown.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, with additional details to be announced soon.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at UnityPoint Health Oncology (Powell 3), Dr. Lukenbill and his team at Mission Cancer and Blood, and the hospice team at UnityPoint Taylor House for their exceptional care and compassion shown to Lori throughout her treatment.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to the GoFundMe created to help with funeral and medical expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-lori-mackey-eilers-hospice-medical-care