Eldon Bengsch

Eldon Walter Bengsch, age 89 of Westfield, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Friday, July 31, 2020 at his home.  He was born on April 18, 1931 to Herman C. and Nina E. (Sharpe) Bengsch, in a log home in the Town of Springfield, Marquette County.  Eldon attended county grade schools of the area and graduated from Westfield Union Free High School, class of 1950.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in the infantry on the front lines in Korea from 1952-1953.  A daughter, Debra was born during his marriage to Annette LaMore.  On July 21, 1956, he married Joyce Thada and they were blessed with a daughter and a son.  His busy life included working as a farm laborer, egg route truck driver for Brakebush Brothers, meat delivery routes, meat cutter, construction worker, machine plant employee, county residence caretaker, ending his employed days as a John Deere implement delivery driver in 2015.  Eldon was a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Westfield where he served on the Finance Committee for many years.  He also was a member of the VFW Post #8718, Westfield.  Eldon was honored to go on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. on September 14, 2016.

He was married to Verla (nee Buschke) Henke on January 19, 2011, who mourns his passing, as do his daughter, Carol (David) Lullo, Montello; son, Robert (Kristin Johnson Wettstein), Grand Marsh; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason Ford) Shier, Chris (Gina) Lieske, Becky, Bradley, Timothy and Messiah Bengsch, Sally Wettstein and Maveny Doherty; 11 great grandchildren, Spencer, Emily and Abby Shier, Evan and Lucas Lieske, Anthony, Bradley, London, Michael, Christopher and Mya Bengsch; two brothers, Gordon and Donald Bengsch; five step children, David (Carla) Henke, Portage, Marie Hodge, Ron (Jean) Henke, Rebecca Rose, Kay (Edwin) Nelson, Westfield; many step grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; two sisters in law, Wilma Putskey and Neoma Schwersenska; many other relatives and friends.  Eldon was preceded in death by his parents; in laws; wife, Joyce; daughter, Debra Doherty; sister and brother in law, Verna and Dale Peterson; two sisters in law, Patty and June Bengsch; two nephews, David Peterson and Donald Bengsch Jr. and his step son in law, Jerry Hodge Sr.

A memorial service for Eldon will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westfield with Rev. Gary H. Schultz and Rev. Rodney Armon officiating.  Inurnment with full military honors will be held following the service at Westfield East Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Friday from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.

Please take a moment to view the online Tribute Wall.  Send your condolences or share a memory of Eldon with his family & friends.