Posted on Tue, Dec 28, 2010
Eldon Dean Leatherberry, age 63 of rural LaFarge passed away Thursday, December 23, 2010 in LaCrosse Lutheran Hospital. He was born December 5, 1947 to Gerald and Isolene (Fish) Leatherberry. He lost his father at a very young age. His mother married Richard “Dick” Cornell and he was a very important influence in his life. Eldon attended Goose Creek School, and graduated from LaFarge High School in 1966.
Eldon enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967. He was stationed at the Chu Lai Airbase in Vietnam, where he served as a Launch and Recovery Technician. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Mast, Presidential Unit Citation, and Navy Achievement Medal. While stationed stateside he served as a Military Police Officer in Beaufort, South Carolina. He was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant from the Marine Corps in 1971.
On November 15, 1975 he married Avanell Janecek in LaFarge. The couple have resided in their home on Bear Creek for the past 33 years. In 1979 their 1st blessing came in the form of a daughter Christy and in 1982 the second blessing a son, Scott. Eldon was a very devoted husband and father and his family meant more than life to him.
Eldon worked for Edward Kraemer and Sons for 30 years. He was very proud of the work that he accomplished and the bridges that he built passing on the knowledge to his son Scott who began working with his father prior to his retirement.
Eldon was a member of the Jones Lawrence VFW Post #9075 serving as its commander for the past 25 years. He conducted many Memorial Day services and made sure that all Veterans received the honor and respect that they deserved.
For the past four years much of Eldons’ joy came from his Grandsons RJ and Kenny. He enjoyed giving them 4-wheeler rides and watching them play. Eldons’ favorite time of year was deer hunting with his boys and enjoyed playing pinnacle with the boys in town.
Eldon is survived by his wife Avanell of LaFarge. One daughter Christy(Rodney)Clemens of Savanna, IL. One son Scott Leatherberry of LaFarge. Two grandsons Rodney John Jr. and Kenneth William Clemens. His mother Isolene Fish Leatherberry Cornell of LaFarge. One sister Charlene(Dewitt) Pulham of Sun Prarie, One brother Vaughn (Maureen) Leatherberry of Lodi. Mother-in-law Gladys Janecek of Valley. Members of Avanells family. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Eldon was preceded in death by his father Gerald Leatherberry, step father Richard “Dick” Cornell, two brothers Arlyn and Gerald, one sister Karen Bork, cousin Brad Leatherberry, father-in-law Kenneth William Janecek, and Uncle Laverne Vitcenda.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 31, 2010 at the LA FARGE FREE METHODIST CHURCH. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2010 from 4 PM until 8 PM at the Seland Huston Funeral Home. Friends may also call at the La Farge Free Methodist Church on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00PM. The Seland Huston Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements.
God needed another Marine for guarding the pearly gates of heaven. “Semper Fi.”