Elden LeRoy Pouk, 89 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at his home in Holdrege, surrounded by his family.
Elden was born July 11, 1930, near Rock Falls, Nebraska, one of seven children born to John Lewis and Ella Henrietta (Hinze) Pouk. He was baptized in the St. Johns Lutheran Church in Oxford, Nebraska on September 7, 1930, and was confirmed at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege in 1948. In 1969, he became a member of the United Methodist Church of Holdrege.
He received his primary education from Atlanta Public Schools, and then attended Mascot High School, graduating with the class of 1949.
Following his education, he was inducted into the United States Army on May 8, 1951 and was stationed in Germany until his honorable discharged on April 24, 1953.
On March 24, 1954, he was united in marriage to Carol White at the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege, and to this union one daughter was born: Jeanie. The family made their home in Holdrege.
Elden was employed as a truck driver by Grainger Bros in Holdrege from 1949 until 1967, when he went to work for Becton Dickinson in Holdrege. He retired from there in 1985 at the age of 55.
He like to travel, and enjoyed going to Texas for a month or two, every year after his retirement. Elden and Carol traveled the U.S. and were able to visit every state. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Elden was a member of First United Methodist Church and the VFW.
Besides his parents, Elden was preceded in death by: three brothers: Lloyd Lee Pouk; Rodney Pouk in infancy; and Evald Pouk; a sister, Marlene Pouk in infancy; a sister-in-law, Ann Pouk; and two brothers-in-law: Norman White and Howard Morris and wife Ardith.
He leaves to celebrate his life; his wife of 66 years, Carol Pouk of Holdrege; his daughter, Jeanie Heinz and her husband, Keith of Holdrege; two grandchildren: Thressa Trausch and her husband, David of Grand Island, Nebraska; and Trent Heinz and his wife, Chelsie of Holdrege; five great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Abbigail, Andrew, Eli, and Emma; two brothers: Carroll R. Pouk and his wife, Mary of Holdrege; and Dennis Pouk, Sr. of Holdrege; sister-in-law, Sue White of Kearney, Nebraska; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
There will be no visitation, viewing or memorial book signing. The family has honored his wish for cremation.
Memorial Services for Elden L. Pouk will be held on Friday, June 12, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska with Reverend Nora Mendyk officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege, with military honors provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.
Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services will be followed. The Pouk family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Elden’s services based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.
A memorial has been established in Elden’s honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of arrangements.