Jeffrey Egli
03/09/1957 - 02/13/2025
Jeffrey Alan Egli died Thursday, February 13, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, surrounded by family and friends. Jeff was diagnosed with cancer in December 2024.
Services will be held at Ankeny First United Methodist Church-Christian Life Center (710 NE 36th St., Ankeny, IA). Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and the service will be on Wednesday, February 26th at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. The service will be livestreamed at https://boxcast.tv/view/jeff-egli-memorial-service-m2cmh7qbmm6ojgqbo3s5
Jeff, the son of Joe and Arlys Egli, was born March 9, 1957, grew up in Manson, Iowa, and graduated from Manson High School. He attended Iowa Central Community College, where he played baseball, and then graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was a UNI Panther supporter and attended many home and away Panther games. Jeff also met many at UNI who are still his best friends today.
Jeff married Sandra Sommer in 1988. The marriage brought together son, Nathan (Kristina) Lewis of Maricopa, AZ; daughters, Lyndsey Egli and Abigail (Travis) Taylor; and his grandchildren: Ryland, Mackinley, Caden, Carson, Gavin, Joshua, Alexandria, Ashton, Kylie, Bryson, Nolan, and Ellie.
Jeff is survived by his wife Sandy and their children, grandchildren, and five siblings: Dianne (Ski) Hendricks, Marilyn Egli, Jim Egli, Tom (Teresa) Egli, and Rick (Trudy) Egli; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jeff’s first job after college graduation was with Campbell Taggart where he became a National Account Manager. He then worked in their fundraising division before he joined Lyle Roberts at Four Seasons Fundraising.
In 1990, Jeff Egli started Washer Systems of Iowa. The business grew significantly for over 30 years under Jeff’s ownership. He loved every part of growing the company and was so thankful to all of those who chose to work with him to grow Washer Systems. His employees & customers were so important to him. Jeff was a fixture at the Iowa State Fair, as an exhibitor. In 2024, he celebrated spending one year of his life at the fair. More recently, his son-in-law, Travis, joined Jeff to continue the company’s growth and success. Over the years, Jeff had gained a passion for investing in properties to fulfill his entrepreneurial spirit.
Jeff was an entrepreneur, avid golfer and sports fan, gardener, supporter of UNI athletics and a wonderful friend to many. He included his friends in all those passions. He was a leader of social activities and brought fun to all who knew him. He was known to make questionable “claims” about his home-grown tomatoes and when it came to April Fools, he was a professional. Jeff was a Christian man who was humble, witty, sincere, thoughtful and was often the person who brought others together. He had no shortage of good friends!!!
It was clear to all that the most important thing to Jeff (Papa) was his family. Papa spent much of his free time with his grandchildren, attending their games, hunting, fishing, skiing and whatever he could find that they would enjoy. Spending time with them was very fulfilling for Jeff. Sandy brought much joy to Jeff’s life. Through sitting sidelines at games, trips to Romania, and their Arizona trips, they created many loving memories together. Jeff’s (Papa) memories and legacy will be cherished forever.
In lieu of flowers, contributions will be received by the family for a future memorial in his name.
Visitation
Ankeny First United Methodist Church - Christian Life Center
710 NE 36th St.
Ankeny, IA 50021
Funeral Service
Ankeny First United Methodist Church - Christian Life Center
710 NE 36th St.
Ankeny, IA 50021