John Louis Eckholdt

On December 20, 2018, John Louis Eckholdt (age 84) passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family following a valiant eleven-year fight with cancer. Though he lost the battle, he ultimately won, never allowing the insidious disease to claim his spirit or his will to live. Throughout his life, he was a devoted family man, a committed friend, and most importantly a man of unwavering faith, serving the Catholic Church, during a lengthy career spanning six decades. John earned his undergraduate degree in business from Loyola University of New Orleans as well as a Masters of Business Administration from Tulane University. He began his career at Shell Oil Company, taking a leave to serve our country from 1957-1959 in the United States Army. A few years later, he was named the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Loyola University, where he had a successful 32 year career until his retirement. Alas, retirement didn’t suit his industrious nature, so in the early 2000s when Archbishop Francis Schulte asked him to be the Chief Financial Officer of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, he readily accepted the position. John served faithfully and expertly under Archbishops Schulte, Alfred Hughes, and Gregory Aymond until his second retirement at the age of 82. Under his tutelage, he modernized the finance department and skillfully managed the Archdiocese’s tumultuous years following Hurricane Katrina. John’s interests went well beyond work. He was an original member of St. Angela Merici Parish where he regularly attended mass for over 50 years. He was a lifelong learner, who loved the opera, the ballet, rock concerts and of course, the Saints (during winning seasons only). He especially enjoyed reading non-fiction books, traveling, and entertaining his family and friends. He loved Mardi Gras and was a member of the Krewe of Bacchus for over 20 years and served as king of the Krewe of Iris in 2015. Quick-witted and fun-loving, he possessed a knack for making people laugh. John was also a great friend to the arts and other educational and mission-based organizations, volunteering to serve on a host of boards and committees, including Christopher Homes, Jesuits of the Southern Province, Château de Notre Dame, Second Harvest Food Bank, Ursuline Academy, Catholic Charities, Hotel Hope and the New Orleans Opera and Ballet Associations. He was recognized several times for his service, most notably being inducted into the Knights of St. Gregory. John was born on September 1, 1934 in New Orleans. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas Eckholdt and Helen Schmidt Eckholdt. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-two years, Virginia (Gigi) Caparotta Eckholdt, his five children, and twelve grandchildren whom he absolutely adored, and who likewise adored their Papa: Jeannine Douglass (Gerald) - Kathryn; Lisa Sammons - Elizabeth and Christopher; Gregory (Rhonda) - Cameron, Connor and Chase; Elizabeth Adler (Mickal) - Mickal, John, David and Ellie; Eric (Jeanne) - Gigi and Julia. He is also survived by his brother, Gerard Eckholdt (Karen). He was the patriarch of the family, inclusive of a large group of cherished members of the extended Eckholdt and Caparotta families. Also noteworthy was his ability to maintain lifelong friendships, always willing to lend a hand, offer advice, and give support in times of need. His profound wisdom, deep love, and upstanding character were inspirational to all those who knew him. Special thanks to his physician Dr. Alan Yager, his oncologists Drs. Jyostna Fuloria and Chris Theodossiou, and the skilled and caring oncology staff at Ochsner Medical Center. We also give thanks to Notre Dame Hospice and the countless aides, nurses, technicians, and researchers who directly and indirectly aided John providing him with precious added years, made possible by their noble vocations. Although John’s light here has been extinguished, it certainly burns brightly elsewhere. John, Dad, Papa, you are forever in our hearts. We will always carry your light with us. We will always love you. Relatives and friends are invited to the Funeral Mass at St. Angela Merici Church, 835 Melody Drive, Metairie, on Thursday, December 27th 2018 at 11:30am. Visitation will be at the church prior to the Mass beginning at 9:30am. Interment will immediately follow the Mass at Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s memory to the Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center, Cancer Crusaders, Jesuit High School, Notre Dame Hospice, St. Angela Merici Church, or St. Anthony’s Gardens. An online guestbook is available at www.leitzeaganfuneralhome.com.