Eldon Richard Bartels was born to Richard and Elsie (Wagner) Bartels on June 4, 1934 on the family farm in Johnson County, NE. He was the second of four children. Eldon was baptized in the Christian faith June 24, 1934 and confirmed May 2, 1948 at St. Peters Lutheran Church, rural Elk Creek. Eldon’s confirmation verse was Isaiah 41:10. He attended Pawnee County School District #45 through six grade and St. Peters Lutheran Parochial School for seventh and eighth grade. Due to health issues of his father, Eldon stayed home to help 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 faithful members of St. Peters Lutheran Church until 1951 when they moved and became members of St John Lutheran Church of Tecumseh, as Eldon remained.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army on September 19, 1956. He attended basic training in Fort Chaffee, AK. While serving in active duty until June 18, 1958 he was stationed in  Germany serving in the 70th Transportation Company. His semi transports took him through Germany, into France and Switzerland. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Eldon spent four years farming with his dad, working with Soil Conservation Services (SCS) and at Campbell Soup.

Eldon was united in marriage to Lois Ann Plager on November 27, 1960 at St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church, east of Elk Creek, NE. This union was blessed with four children - Kirk Allen, Michael Ray, Lynn Eldon and Cheryl Ann. Eldon and Lois Ann made their home in rural Johnson County for a year before moving to their current home in Elk Creek. Eldon began bulk milk hauling from rural dairy farms in 1962. He drove for Dean Peterson picking up milk and transporting it to the Mid-America plant until 1971 when he and Ab Jensen began their Jensen & Bartels joint bulk milk service corporation. This transitioned into E&L Bartels which Eldon and Lois Ann continued until 1980. Eldon later worked for Engelbrecht Construction and MolyCorp drilling.

Eldon’s passion was working with livestock and, never having known a stranger, he also enjoyed being a salesman. What began in livestock feed sales with Moormans and propane sales and delivery with Farmers Union Coop Supply Company in the early 1980s, Eldon’s career as livestock feed sales and delivery spanned over the next thirty years, beyond his 80th birthday and more than four cooperatives. All the while, Eldon also always took great pride in maintaining his own cattle herd, raising quality 4-H livestock (show calves) and seeking award-winning rate of gain. After his own family spent more than 30 years showing cattle at the county and state level, Eldon was always eager to recruit and assist new 4-Hers with livestock selection, feed rations, with family and friends exhibiting livestock of his raising, even at KC Royale.

Over the years, Eldon served his community as a volunteer fireman, member of both Elk Creek Village and School Boards and the Tracy-Bates Post 370 American Legion. He enjoyed playing cards and socializing in the community and beyond. He never knew a stranger, just a friend he hadn’t met yet. At church, he was a member of various boards, and served as Sunday School Superintendent and an usher. He was an Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL) officer and was thankful for the opportunity to participate in Prison Ministry for several years.

Eldon and Lois Ann enjoyed square dancing over the years as well as trips to multiple states, with travel to visit Eldon’s Army buddy in Charleston, SC being a highlight. Eldon enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities. Throughout life, Eldon’s anchor was the saving grace of Jesus. He consistently expressed his gratitude for the blessing of his family, second only to the gift of faith and salvation granted in his Lord and Savior. His prayer was that his family would always be cared and provided for and that God would equip him to do whatever he possibly could to assist in that effort. Eldon’s grandchildren brought him much joy and he was very proud of his children. Eldon’s earthly labors ceased at Colonial Acres in Humboldt, Nebraska on December 27, 2024 at the age of 90 years.

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

Eldon is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Lois Ann, sons Kirk and wife Lisa (Bohling) of Elk Creek, Mike and wife Sandy (Habrich) of Lincoln, Lynn and wife Jennifer (Luke) of Lincoln and daughter Cheryl of Elk Creek, grandchildren Tony and wife Liz Bartels, Luke Bartels, Maxwell Bartels, Kelby and wife Jenny Krueger, Chris and wife Andrea Krueger, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, sister Sharon Hestermann and husband Eldon of Eagle, sister-in-law Carla Plager of Lincoln, brother-in-law Richard Plager of Humboldt and numerous nieces and nephews 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 will also be livestreamed on the St. John's Lutheran Church, Tecumseh You-Tube page for those unable to attend.  

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 or the Tracy-Bates American Legion Post #370 of Elk Creek. 

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.