Obituary of Eldon E. Engelman

Eldon Edwin Engelman, age 96, of Wisconsin Rapids, died Monday, February 2, 2015 at Strawberry Lane Medical Center following a short illness. Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 7 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Pastor John Grohs will officiate. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Military rites will be rendered by VFW Post 2534. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Friday at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and again Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church. Eldon was born February 13, 1918 in Cascade, Wisconsin to Arthur and Amanda (Plautz) Engelman. He graduated from Pittsville High School in 1936 and attended the University of Wisconsin Agricultural Short Course. He married Louise Urban on October 11, 1945 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Nekoosa. Eldon served in the U. S. Army Headquarters 5th Infantry Division in the European Theater from April 1941 thru August 1945. He received multiple commendations and medals including a Bronze Star Metal. After returning from World War II, he began work at the Biron division of Consolidated Papers and retired after 38 years in 1983. Eldon loved spending time with his family, vacationing in the North woods, traveling and gardening. He was a quiet, gentle man who accomplished much for the benefit of others without the need for outward recognition. His positive attitude and expressions of gratitude were legendary. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving on the Board of Elders for many years, a lifetime member of VFW Post 2534 and a long time participant in the Visually Impaired Support Group and Union Retirees. Eldon is survived by his wife of 69 years, Louise; two daughters, Patricia, Wisconsin Rapids and Sandra (Wayne) Schild, Barrington, IL; two grandchildren, Kristin (Seth) Campbell, Hanover, NH and Colin Schild, Richfield, MN; a sister, Mae Kester, Wisconsin Rapids and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Opportunity Development Center, Honor Flight or the charity of your choice.