Steven C. Eldridge

Steven C. Eldridge of Elkhart, born March 21, 1944, in Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on March 5, 2024. He was 79. 

Surviving are his best friend and love of his life, Carol Ann Eldridge, daughter Stacey VanKleeck (David) of Lexington, Kentucky, and grandsons Nicholas (Heather) VanKleeck, Nathaniel VanKleeck and Nolan VanKleeck; daughter Sara Esquivel (Mark) and granddaughters Isabelle Esquivel and Sophia Esquivel. Also surviving are sisters Pat Classen of Naples, Florida, Sherrod Deputy (Larry) of Scottsdale, Arizona, Janet White (David) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and a brother, Robert Eldridge (Susan) of Springfield, Missouri. His parents, Cliff and Mary Eldridge preceded him in death. Also surviving are his wife's sister and husband, Jan and Jerry Kehe of Barrington, Illinois, and 11 nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Elkhart High School in 1962, he graduated from Indiana University School of Business in Bloomington, Indiana in 1966. While a student, he worked as a houseboy for the SDT Sorority and became a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He enrolled in Bradley University's MBA program in Peoria, Illinois, hometown of his wife Carol, and graduated in 1968. He enrolled in the U.S. Army Reserve, serving until 1974. Graduating from Bradley University in 1968, he accepted employment as a staff accountant with Arthur Anderson & Co. in Chicago. In 1971, he was transferred to the Memphis, Tennessee, office as a manager specializing in financial computerized systems in banks and bank holding companies. He joined Belz Enterprises, a commercial real estate developer in Memphis prior to returning to Elkhart, Indiana, in 1975 and purchasing Elkhart Distributing Corp. Known as "Mr. Budweiser," he sold EDC in 1992 and began in real estate earning the distinguished certification as a CCIM.

In Elkhart, he served with several mayors in the City of Elkhart for 40 years as president of the City Planning Commission with 20 of those years as president of the Elkhart Redevelopment Commission, leading both bodies in the growth of, and redevelopment of, the city in cooperation with city councils and other commission members. He also served as an elder and treasurer of First Presbyterian Church and as a volunteer with the Presbytery. He formerly served as treasurer and board member of Elcona Country Club, a United Way volunteer, board member of the Salvation Army, president of the Samaritan Center of Elkhart, as a deputy coroner, and member of the Elkhart Rotary Club. He received Keys to the City of Elkhart twice for his volunteer work over the years. An avid Indiana University fan and Varsity Club member, he believed he saw "the same IU football game and results" many times over a period spanning 50-plus years.

Steve's life was devoted to his beloved Carol and his dear daughters Stacey and Sara, and his precious grandchildren Nicholas, Nathaniel, Isabelle, Nolan and Sophia. Travels and trips with his family were so very special to him and he loved snow skiing with friends and family, following his Hoosiers, and vacationing on the beautiful beach of Siesta Key, Florida, for over 30 years. His dedication, loyalty, kindness, thoughtfulness and love will be cherished forever.

The family wishes to thank the kind and quick response he received from community members, the EMTs, and the nurses and doctors at Elkhart General Hospital.

Memorial services for Steven will be held on Saturday, March 16, at noon at First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart. The Rev. Dr. Sally Wicks will officiate. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Steve's honor be made to the Wellfield Botanical Gardens, 1011 N. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46514, or The First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514.

To leave the family an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.