Calvin Elschlager

1929 - 2020

Calvin Elschlager, 91, of Keokuk, died Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born April 9, 1929, in Downing, Mo., the son of Olin and Cecil Farnsworth Elschlager.

Calvin graduated from Downing High School with the class of 1947.

On Oct. 30, 1949, Calvin was united in marriage with Donna Weirather in Kahoka, Mo. They spent over 66 years together, sharing their love and raising their family.

He had been employed by several local businesses in Keokuk through the years, including Montgomery Ward, McLaughlin Firestone, and lastly Linquist Furniture, until his retirement in 1985.

He is survived by one son, David (Tina) Elschlager of Hamilton, Ill.; one daughter, Linda (Paul) Welborn of Keokuk; six grandchildren, Leah (David) Zanolla of Carthage, Ill., Seth (Megan) Elschlager of St. Louis, Becca (Rob) McEneaney of Crystal Lake, Ill., Emily (Jesse) Hill of Burlington, Abby Welborn of Gilbert, Ariz., and Maria Welborn of Bosie, Idaho; seven great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jonah and Lydia Zanolla, Addie and Olivia Elschlager, Judah Calvin McEneaney, and Kylee and Marlee Hill.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna, on Feb. 27, 2016; his parents; and one brother, Kenneth Elschlager.

He had been a faithful and active member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Keokuk since 1957. He served as a Sunday School teacher for 23 years. He generously donated his time by helping with the staining and varnishing of the woodwork in the new building at the church.

Calvin took pride in his cars and kept them spotless. He loved to mow and take care of his yard. He enjoyed tinkering with things and could build or fix just about anything.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Keokuk with the Rev. David Turner officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.

Visitation will be prior to the service from 10-11 a.m., Saturday, at the church, with family meeting with friends at that time.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) program "Beds for Children Ministry" or Lee County Hospice.

The funeral will be live-streamed on the First Christian Church Facebook page or the Vigen Memorial Home Facebook page at 11 a.m. Saturday. Masks will be required and social distancing will be in effect.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.