Eldon Richard Bartels

Eldon Richard Bartels, 90, of Elk Creek, Nebraska, entered into the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior, on December 27, 2024 at Colonial Acres in Humboldt, Nebraska.

Eldon was born to Richard and Elsie (Wagner) Bartels on June 4, 1934 on their farm in Johnson County, Nebraska. He was the second of four children. Eldon was baptized in the Christian faith June 24, 1934 and confirmed May 2, 1948 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, rural Elk Creek.  Eldon grew up on the farm alongside his three siblings: brothers Kenneth and Harold and sister Sharon.  He attended Pawnee County School District #45 through sixth grade and St. Peter's Lutheran Parochial School in seventh and eighth grade. Due to his father's health concerns, Eldon stayed home to work alongside his parents on the farm rather than attend high school. He also was involved in the building of two new homes in their neighborhood and worked at the Eltiste Turkey Farm. Eldon later, in 1971, successfully earned his High School GED. Eldon and his family were active members of St. Peter's Lutheran Church until 1951 when they moved and became members of St. John's Lutheran Church of Tecumseh.

Eldon proudly served in the U.S. Army from September 19, 1956 to June 18, 1958. He attended basic training at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas and spent a short time at Fort Niagara, New York. He was then stationed in Ludwigsburg, Germany serving in the 70th Transportation Company. His truck transports took him through Germany, into France and Switzerland. Following his honorable discharge, Eldon returned to Nebraska, where he embarked on a diverse career.  He initially worked in soil conservation and at Campbell Soup upon his return.  Eldon was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #8221. 

Eldon was united in marriage to Lois Ann Plager on November 27, 1960 at St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church, east of Elk Creek. This union was blessed with four children - Kirk, Michael, Lynn and Cheryl.  Eldon and Lois Ann made their home in rural Johnson County for a couple of years before moving to their current home in Elk Creek.

For several years, Eldon drove a truck for Dean Petersen hauling milk from rural dairy farms and then later co-founded Jensen and Bartels bulk milk service with Ab Jensen.  Eldon and Lois Ann continued in the milk business under their own name, E&L Bartels, until 1980. Eldon went on to work for various other entities including Engelbrecht Construction, Longyear Drilling- Molycorp Mining, Moorman's Feed and the Tecumseh Livestock Market; where his contributions were always valued.  The final portion of Eldon's career, in sales and delivery of livestock feed and propane with multiple Cooperatives, spanned over 30 years and beyond his 80th birthday. 

All the while, Eldon took great pride in maintaining his own cattle herd, raising quality 4-H show cattle and seeking award-winning rate of gain.  After his own family had shown cattle for more than 30 years, Eldon continued to recruit and assist other 4-Hers.

Eldon was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, an usher and a member of various boards and committees.  He also participated in Prison Ministry for several years.  Eldon was involved in his community, having served as a volunteer fireman, and member of both the Village of Elk Creek and School Boards.  Eldon's devotion to his family, faith and community was unwavering. 

In their earlier years Eldon and Lois Ann enjoyed square dancing and Eldon enjoyed bowling. Through the years, they also enjoyed trips to various states, with travel to visit Eldon’s Army buddy in Charleston, SC being a highlight. Eldon enjoyed playing cards and attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities.  Eldon's family was always his pride and joy and his love for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was immeasurable. 

Throughout life, Eldon’s anchor was the saving grace of Jesus. Eldon consistently expressed his gratitude for the blessed gift of faith and salvation granted in his Lord and Savior and for the gift of family and friends.  Eldon himself had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, never knowing a stranger but only a friend he had not met yet. His warmth, generosity and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  

Eldon was preceded in death by his mother Elsie, father Richard, brothers Kenneth and Harold, sister-in-law Leona Bartels, brother-in-law Harlan Plager and sister-in-law Vera Plager.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 64 years, Lois Ann, sons Kirk and wife Lisa of Elk Creek, Mike and wife Sandy of Lincoln, Lynn and wife Jennifer of Lincoln and daughter Cheryl of Elk Creek, grandchildren Tony and wife Liz Bartels of Lincoln, Luke Bartels of Glendale, AZ, Maxwell Bartels of Seward, Kelby and wife Jenny Krueger of Geneseo, IL and Chris and wife Andrea Krueger of Waukee, IA, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, sister Sharon Hestermann and husband Eldon of Eagle, sister-in-law Carla Plager of Lincoln and brother-in-law Richard Plager of Humboldt as well as numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Tecumseh, Nebraska with Rev. Marcel Kohlmeyer officiating.  The service was also livestreamed on St. John's Lutheran Church Tecumseh, NE You-Tube page. A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77QVYEyf3p8  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the West Elk Creek 4-H Club, Tracy-Bates American Legion Post #370 of Elk Creek or St. John's Lutheran Church, Tecumseh. 

Interment will be in the Tecumseh Cemetery, with full military honors by the Tracy-Bates American Legion Post #370 of Elk Creek.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

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