Eldon Lee Wachtendorf

1952 - 2024

Eldon Lee Wachtendorf, 72, of Basco, Illinois, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Timber Point Health Care Center in Camp Point, Illinois.

Eldon Lee Wachtendorf was born June 19, 1952, in Carthage, Illinois, to Junius E. Wachtendorf and Marilyn Launer Wachtendorf Cameron.

Eldon grew up on a farm near Basco. He was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Carthage. Eldon attended Union Douglas School south of Carthage and graduated from Carthage High School.

Eldon was later married to Mitzie Londrie. He and Mitzie are the parents of Jerry Steven Wachtendorf of rural Basco.

As a young man Eldon and his brother Steve enjoyed Sunday afternoon fishing trips with a distant cousin, Shauf Ancelet. Hunting and guns became an interest that led to many years of deer season with family and friends. Eldon worked a variety of jobs beginning in high school along with helping his parents on the farm. Those jobs included Wright Petroleum, Walmart, farming, meat cutter, and the mental health center, to name a few. He shared that working at the mental health center in Carthage was the most rewarding.

Eldon and Mitzie purchased The Office in Basco. Sometime later, they divorced and Mitzie purchased the bar. Some years later Eldon again purchased The Office and owned it until February 2024. Eldon loved to have a good time. He said that he and friends sang better after they had a couple of beers. Many dear friends kept The Office open when Eldon was no longer able.

Dr. Memon and the oncology team at Blessing Hospital became members of our family. They also enjoyed all the cookies that Eldon's mom sent along. We are forever thankful.

Eldon was generous and willing to help those who were down on their luck. As a brother he always was there to lend a helping hand never asking for anything in return. He loved kids.

His hobbies included buying and restoring antique tractors. He was a member of the Basco Antique Tractor Club, and enjoyed many poker runs. He enjoyed Old Threshers, "wheeling and dealing," tractor pulls, pool league, raising chickens, and gardening. He and Steve once built what Steve called a "piazer" by the farm pond for trap shooting.

Eldon's large garden was shared freely. He might give away zucchini in the hope there might be a chocolate zucchini cake as a reward. He enjoyed helping host and organize fish fries for many years.

Eldon is loved by many and loved sharing time with close friends.

Eldon's brother, Steve was killed in an auto accident on Thanksgiving Day in 1993. They were indeed partners and allies in many ventures including Memorial Day camping, State Fair camping, 4th of July mouse game, mud volleyball, and much more. Eldon passed on July 27, Steve's birthday.

Eldon is survived by his son Jerry (Tammie Gipe) Wachtendorf; his mother Marilyn Wachtendorf Cameron; sister Phyllis (Bill) Whitaker; stepsister Mary (Les) Essingler) stepbrother Wayne (Rhonda) Cameron; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Junius E. Wachtendorf; brother Steven Wachtendorf; stepfather Albert Cameron; grandparents, John and Hannah (Tobias) Wachtendorf, and Harry and Hattie (Gavillet) Launer; and many other dear friends and family.

Services will be Saturday, Aug. 3 at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage, with visitation from 9-11 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the Immanuel Lutheran Church cemetery south of Carthage.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Blessing Cancer Center or wishes of the family.

Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.