Jon Lyal Eggum

Jon Lyal Eggum, 87, of Clarks Grove, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, surrounded by his family at Good Samaritan Society-ComforCare in Austin, Minnesota.

Jon was born on July 25, 1939, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to Karl and Inez Eggum. He grew up on the family farm, where he developed a love for family, the outdoors, and working with his hands.

Jon proudly served in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1960 and was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. After his military service, he continued his education in mechanical drafting.

On June 26, 1964, Jon married Donna Rae Eekhoff in Kanawha, Iowa. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and lasting memories. Anyone who knew Jon knew how deeply he loved Donna and how clearly he showed that love throughout their marriage.

Jon spent many years working on the family farm. After leaving farming, he returned to school to strengthen his mechanical drafting skills. He then began a career at OTC in Owatonna, where he worked for 19 years before retiring in 2004.

Jon enjoyed hunting, camping, target shooting, and spending time outdoors. He was a proud member of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and a lifetime member of the NRA. Above all, Jon loved his family. He treasured time with Donna, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and always put family first.

Jon is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his children, Lyal (Carol) Eggum, Shawn (Sherry) Eggum, Lisa (Brian) Lambert, and Karl (Angie) Eggum; his grandchildren, Ethan (Haley) Eggum, Jacy (Jesse) Jaeger, Braden (Erin) Eggum, Haley (Nathan) Meyer, Kade (Becca) Eggum, Shea Lambert, Shad Lambert, Magdalyn Eggum, and Henry Eggum; and his great-grandchildren, Elsie Jeannette, Kael Jens, Emy Joanna, Aili Jo, Ada Rae, Emmett Jon, and Hudson Shawn. He is also survived by his brother, LeMoyne (Carole) Eggum, and sisters-in-law Carol (Robert) Everett, Jan (Oley) Olsen, Linda (Rich) Foss, and Sue Schlosser; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Inez Eggum, mother and father-in-law Elsie and Herman Eekhoff; his sisters, Elen Hansen and Maline Eggum; sister-in-law Mary Ann Karsjens; brothers-in-law Bud Karsjens, Steve Schlosser and Paul Eekhoff.

Jon will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His love for family, the outdoors, and the simple joys of life will live on in the hearts and memories of those who knew him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan Society-ComforCare in Austin for the compassionate care and kindness they provided to Jon.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at Bonnerup Funeral Service, 2210 East Main Street Albert Lea, 56007, beginning at 1 PM. A time for fellowship and celebration of Jon’s memory will follow services from 2 to 4 PM. The family invites all who knew him to wear flannel in honor of Jon.