Richard Egelhoff

Richard Egelhoff, 90, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family in Carlsbad, California. 

He was born on March 13, 1936, to Helen and Roy Egelhoff in Jerseyville, Illinois, and grew up alongside his older sister, Rosemary. Raised around horses, Rich carried that love throughout his life and shared it with his family. He also had a deep love for sports, especially college basketball, which he followed closely.

Rich lived a life defined by quiet strength, hard work, and deep devotion to the people he loved. He met Jane at Francis Howell High School, where they were crowned Coronation King and Queen, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in loyalty and love.

In his early years, Rich played the drums for The Swing Kings, filling dance halls with music, friends, and family. Music remained a constant throughout his life. He loved to dance and made each of his granddaughters promise him a dance at their weddings.

Rich built a career in commercial construction with Hankins before going on to start his own cabinet shop, continuing his passion for building and creating with his hands. His grandchildren hold fond memories of time spent in the shop and the toys Grandpa built just for them. He and Jane built their home from the ground up with the help of family; a lasting symbol of the life they created together, centered around love, hard work, and family.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children, Rick (Mariann), Debbie, Mike, and Christa (Tom), as well as nine grandchildren (and their seven spouses, sixteen in all) and nineteen great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever carry his strength and his quiet way of loving. He didn’t always say a lot, but his love was unmistakable, in his steady presence, his slight grin, his strong hugs, and the way he looked at the people he cared about most.

Following Jane’s passing in October 2022, Rich moved to Carlsbad, California, where he spent his final years surrounded by family. These years were filled with joy—attending sporting events, morning golf cart rides to breakfast, family celebrations, and, of course, stirring up a little trouble now and then.

He celebrated his 90th birthday in his final days, surrounded by family, stories, and love, a reflection of the life he built and the legacy that will live on through those who knew and loved him. Life wasn’t always easy for Rich. There were obstacles and the path didn’t always unfold as planned but he finished strong, just as he encouraged others to do. He believed that “God always has us”.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4: 7-8

Richard will be laid to rest in Zion alongside his beloved wife this summer, where their story will continue side by side.

A service will be held on July 13th at Zion Lutheran Church in Harvester, Missouri. Time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to Emmaus Homes in honor of Rich, in appreciation for the compassionate care and support they have provided to his daughter, Deborah, a longtime resident