Eldon Edward Abben

Eldon E. Abben, 95, of Evansdale, died Tuesday, October 26, at the UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital.

He was born September 22, 1926, in rural Dumont, son of Edward and Iva E. (Wickham) Abben. He graduated from Bristow High School.

As a child in the age of depression, Eldon learned the value of hard work and how to fix things and make do. He worked with his father digging tile ditches while still managing to go to school and graduate. After graduation, he proudly served our country as a Navy Seabee during WWII. There he used tools, skills and his hands doing construction in the Admiralty Islands. After being honorably discharged, he met "the love of his life" Grace L. Hillman and they married February 22, 1948, in Bristow.

He supported his wife and children by working at Rath for 31 years, retiring in 1978. But, he enjoyed the outdoors-archery, hunting, trapping, fishing and camping. He also became a "jack of all trades" sharing his knowledge and experience helping others. He and his wife were "snowbirds" 40 of their almost 74 years together. While wintering in Texas, the passion he had always for music grew. He would "jam" with others several times a week playing his Dobro and singing old country and gospel music. His family and friends were always special to him. Eldon not only lived 95 years, he lived a FULL 95 years.

Eldon is survived by his wife, Grace; his children: Judy (Bill) Meinecke of Fairbank, and James (Connie) Abben, Janet Abben, and kid daughter, Linda Leadley, all of Evansdale; many grandchildren; many great grandchildren; many great-great grandchildren; and a brother, Richard Abben of Corpus Christi, TX.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Joyce (Bill) Huse; great-great grandson, Levi Huse; three brothers, Beryl, Ivan and Ronald Abben and a sister, Betty J. Wubbena.