Dr. John Eckholdt, a neurologist and chairman of Mercy Medical Center's division of neurology, died of cancer Thursday at his Glen Arm home. He was 64.

Dr. Eckholdt was born and raised in Minneapolis. After graduating from high school, he earned his bachelor's degree in 1961 from the University of Minnesota, where he earned his medical degree in 1963.

Dr. Eckholdt served in the Army Reserve from the late 1960s to 1970.

He moved to Baltimore in 1963 to complete his residency in medicine and neurology at the University of Maryland Medical School. In 1971, he joined the clinical faculty of the department of neurology at the medical school.

As chairman of Mercy Medical Center's division of neurology, he taught residents and treated patients for more than 30 years.

Throughout his career, Dr. Eckholdt collaborated in clinical research projects that received numerous awards.

His professional memberships included the American Academy of Neurology and the American Electroencephalographic Society.

Dr. Eckholdt also was a member of Baltimore Country Club.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Chestnut Grove Presbyterian Church, 3701 Sweet Air Road, Phoenix.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, the former Diane Walz; a son, Haftan M. Eckholdt of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a daughter, Tracy A. Earp of Parkville; a brother, David Eckholdt of Minneapolis; and two nephews.