Obituary
John “Indian” Ebersold
John “Indian” Ebersold, age 65, of Trempealeau, WI, passed away at home on September 7, 2019.
John was born in La Crosse on November 11, 1953, to Ralph and Gertrude (Stellpflug) Ebersold, and was among the first graduating class of Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School, 1972. On July 6, 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Lu Hovell.
Together they had two children, Josh and Jesse. John worked at Brunkow’s Hardwood before moving on to an employee of the Village of Trempealeau for 35 years. He was a volunteer fireman for 25 years, worked closely with visiting archeology teams, assisted the Lions Club in activities, and anyone in the village who ever needed help – John was there.
John was an avid sportsman, involved in hunting, fishing and trapping which he passed on to his children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He was his grandchildren’s number one fan supporting them in wrestling, swimming, football, baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, and life.
After retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife and hiking the local bluffs. John was the local authority on the topography of the Trempealeau area as well as its history.
John is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Lu: son, Joshua (Amy): daughter, Jesse (Luke) Oines; grandchildren, Kohl, Noah, Brecken, Wyatt, and Aubrey; brothers, Dale (Ginny), Mike, Jim (Steff), Dick Vondrasek (brother-in-law); sisters, Mary Ann Killian, Irene (Glenn) Borneman, and Pat (Duane) Stoner; sister-in-law, Tari Wood; brother-in-law, Stanley (Lori) Hovell and very special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Clyde and Barb Hovell; sisters, Jean, Janet Vondrasek, and Carol Brush; and brother-in-law, Jon Hovell.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska with a reception held immediately following the service until 7:00 pm. Pastor Allison Cobb of Holmen Lutheran Church will officiate. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family. A full obituary and online condolences are available at www.couleecremation.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated to a charity of the family’s choice.
To view John’s tribute video, paste the link below into your address bar:
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/67YK9FQTSG9BTX74?e=1
It is with deep sorrow that I write this message. John was a friend and will be greatly missed. John was a loyal employee of the Village of Trempealeau and knew everything about its history. He will be greatly missed.
Sorry to hear that John passed. He was always kind and helpful.
John was an amazing person. He touched so many people. He will be missed at all the events. He wasn’t one to sit at the ballgames. He was watching from all areas. As you walked by, you alway got a “Hi” or a smile and a nod. I know he will be there in spirit. Thank you for coming into our lives and showing us what hard work, dedication and support of your family was. Wrap your arms around Lu and the family and guide them through this difficult time. They have a village to help them through this that you worked so hard for. We are all proud of you and your family. Rest In Peace. The Wera Family
So sorry for the loss John (Indian) It was such a honor to know him. May your memories help you through this difficult time. He will be greatly missed..
The loved ones of John Ebersold have my deepest sympathy. I very much appreciated John’s helping me with my stories for the Galesville Republican and the Trempealeau County Times when I wrote for these papers. He was always very knowledgeable, courteous and in every way helpful with my stories on Trempealeau, especially those featuring archaeology and the work of Danielle Bendon and Robert “Ernie” Boszhardt.
I was shocked to hear of John’s passing. My sincere condolences to all of his family. Lu, it will be a deep, long sadness. Find refuge in your family and friends. I worked with John at Brunkow’s, and got to know him better when Jan worked for the village. As others have said he was always friendly and helpful.
My son Dan also wishes to offer his condolences. John, you will be missed by this family.
All my sympathies to the Ebersold family – peace on you all! Lora Beseler
Very sad to hear of John’s passing. John was a Good man in every sense of the word. My sympathies and condolences to his entire family. Frederick Beseler, member of G-E-T Class of ’72.
John was always willing to work with us cottage owners on Lake Road and the Mississippi Valley Conservancy Second Lake property. He was fun and respectful of all. I’ll never forget the body of a Fisher animal he showed me in the freezer….many are appreciative of his love for nature which he generously shared. He will be missed.
We are so sorry for the loss of your family member, “Indian”. John and Dick, and brother Dale helped us find our family graves. A precious memory.
Bless you all in the coming months and years. Although John has walked on in this life, I expect he will be there when asked, to guide us all.
I am so very sorry Lu & family. There truly is nothing harder than losing someone we love and adore so much. Take strength in each other, and realize that grief is so different for each of us. It all takes time. The answer no one wants to hear, but it is the answer. Please know that he is still with you, guiding you & loving you all. Watch for those signs. Your bonds were so close, that I am sure there will be plenty of them. I am thinking & praying for you all.
We at River Cafe knew John and his wife as customers. But he was truly a Man amongst men. He will be in our hearts. Such a nice couple. I could give him a rough time and he just dished it right back.
Your passing, John, has torn a hole in the fabric that is the Village of Trempealeau. And, it has torn a hole in my heart. Happy trails, Brother. Love you. Don Hellrung
Soft spoken, respectful, insightful, thoughtful, non-judgmental and genuinely friendly. That is the John I knew. There will be a void in the community for anyone that knew John and an awful loss for those lucky enough to be family.
Rest well John.