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Eldor (Al) Robert Bethke, age 88, of Madison, WI passed away peacefully on July 13th, 2024.

Eldor was a graduate of Fall Creek High School, then worked on the family farm until he entered the Army in 1958, he was stationed at White Sands Missile Base in Ft Bliss, TX. He went on to work at the Sterling Pulp and Paper Mill where he met his wife, Delores. They were married on May 16th, 1964, in Eau Claire, and we happily married for 60 years. They moved to Madison in 1966 and have been members of St Paul’s Lutheran Church ever since.

In Madison, he worked for Gisholt Machine Company for 7 years and Dairy Equipment Company for over 28 years as a maintenance electrician.

Eldor was a very active volunteer at St Paul’s Lutheran Church as an usher, served on the Property Board, throughout the years he spent many hours volunteering with electrical work, remodeling of the church and helping where he could. He held an Officer position at Thrivent (Aid Association for Lutherans). Eldor provided all the electrical work for the Bethesda Thrift Store in Madison.

Eldor loved the outdoors including hunting, fishing, and yearly camping trips with family and friends. He could often be found puttering in the garage, working in the yard or gardening.

He loved his social activities including attending German Festivals. He enjoyed listening to polka music and playing euchre. He particularly enjoyed popcorn and Old Style Beer. He loved God, Delores, family, friends, his dog, Lady and his daughter’s dog, Cheyenne.

Eldor enjoyed grilling whole chicken in the summer. In the winters he would make his mom’s homemade ice cream and that recipe is still enjoyed by his family today.

Eldor is survived by daughter Sandra Barkhahn (David), son James Bethke (Christine), grandchildren Kathleen Craugh (Chris), Kimberly Barkhahn, great-granddaughter Kaylee Craugh, special nephew Darwin Bethke, along with his beloved family and friends.

Preceded in death by his wife Delores, children Jennifer and Mark, parents Arthur and Ida (Glenz) Bethke, brothers Werner, Harold, Ewald and sister Lydia.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 on Friday, July 26th, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2126 N Sherman Ave, Madison with visitation starting at 10:00 am. A visitation will also be held on Thursday, July 25th from 5:00 – 7:00pm at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison. A burial service with military honors will be at Highland Memory Gardens in Madison following the funeral.

We will miss dad very much. He was a respected man who practiced his Christian faith, supported his family, expressed his beliefs and taught his strong moral values. He worked very hard but also took time out to do things he enjoyed in life. Love you always.

Eldor Bethke

April 05, 1936 - July 13, 2024

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