Roger E. Eldredge

On Sunday, January 21, 2018 our father, Roger E. Eldredge, 94, went to join our mother to continue their Sentimental Journey which began 84 years ago. Roger was born to Elmer E. Eldredge and Laura (LaGrange) Eldredge on May 21, 1923, on the Pabst Estate in Ocomowoc, WI. He had the honor of being the baby brother to Raymond, Louise (Bruhy), Robert, and Bette (Binder). The family also lived in Wilmette, IL, and Oshkosh, WI, before finally settling in Plymouth. Roger grew-up during a tumultuous time, including the Great Depression. Enjoyment came when their family gathered around the family radio to the daily broadcasts of the Green Hornet and the Whistler. When he was around ten years old, he went with his father to Feurers Jewelry Store in downtown Plymouth where he met the little girl of his dreams and future wife, our mom, Betty Feurer.He attended school in each town he lived and his schooling ended at Plymouth High School. Dad found himself yearning for the chance to serve his Country and rather than graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp half way through his senior year in 1942. Rogers first station in the Marine Corp. was boot camp in San Diego, CA, where he learned the trade of telephone communications and Morse Code. He later shipped out to the South Pacific, and then to New Zealand. During this time in the South Pacific he was stationed on the Island of Eniwetok for about 6 months and then Guam, where they joined other units and retook control of the island from the Japanese. Roger never had a furlough in the 28 months he was in the South Pacific. When he returned to the States, to his surprise, WWII came to an endhe had enlisted for the duration of the war! In 1945 Dad came home for good with an Honorable Discharge as a Corporal. When he arrived back in Plymouth he joined the Plymouth VFW Cheese Center Post #5612. As a charter member, he became the commander in 1965 1966. He liked to have the honor of shooting military rights at funerals and parades. He also spent many Saturday nights of working at the stock car races with his VFW group. Dad enjoyed listening to the music of Glenn Miller and other Big Bands. He and his love, Betty, would travel to the Palladium in Milwaukee every weekend to listen to the talented Liberace. They were underage but were allowed to stay as long as they behaved themselves.Later in 1945 the two of them ran off and were married in Kentucky. Their marriage lasted 64 years until our mother passed away from Alzheimers March 21, 2009.We all grew up in Plymouth on Bishop Street where dad stayed until his passing. Dad was a hard worker and earned a position at the Kohler Co. where he worked at until he retired in 1986 after 40 years of service. Dad had a great passion for golf. You could usually find him most weekday mornings at Crystal Lake Golf Course with his good friends. His hole-in-one on April 27, 1999 was one of his shining moments. Dad played his last game November 2, 2014 with his grandson Seth, at the age 91 years old. Roger and Betty also loved traveling through the United States and Canada. They found their special place in Gulf Shores, AL, where they spent many winters. Dad will be remembered by his children: Roger R. (Gloria) Eldredge, Laurie (Jeff) Born, and Paul (Jodi) Eldredge. His grandchildren: Kay (Joey) Halle, Amy (David) Nischik, Seth (Jamie) Born, Kisria (Dawid) Rechul. Also his great-grand-kiddos: Michael Halle, Ryan (Shyanne) Halle, Lauren (fianc Tyler Chisholm) Halle, Dantes Rechul, Milevia Rechul, Daedalus Rechul, and Joslynn Born, and soon-to-be Baby Boy Born, due on April 3rd.He also leaves behind friend and golfing partner, Dean Broker. He also leaves behind his good friend of many years, Elsie Gessert. Dads family all preceded him in death as well as his many friends of many years. Memorial services will be held on Saturday January 27th at 2:00 at The Wittkopp Funeral Home in Plymouth. Rev. James Hoppert will officiate. Cremation has taken place and Inurnment will be at The Woodlawn Cemetery in Plymouth. Friends may call at the Wittkopp Funeral Home, 123 South Street, Plymouth from 12:00 on Saturday, January 27 until the time of services. The Plymouth VFW Cheese Center Post #5612 will conduct military rites We would like to thank Dr. Staehling, Dr. Horth, The St. Nicholas Hospice Team: Sara B, Sara J, Jamie B and Jessica R.Dad, we will never forget your love of our family, your sense of humor with the talent to tell jokes, along with your smile and the glimmer in your eyes that went along with a hug. We will always love you Dad. and when to Heaven he goes,to St. Peter he will tell,"Just another Marine reporting Sir,Ive served my time in Hell."

Funeral Service

Saturday, January 27, 2018 2:00 PM
Wittkopp Funeral and Cremation Service
123 South Street Plymouth 53073, United States