Eldon Francis Barenberg, 87, of McCook, passed away at his home in McCook on Sunday, January 23, 2022. He was born March 30, 1934 to Francis and Cecilia (Lippold) Barenberg in McCook, Nebraska. He was baptized on April 10, 1934 at St. Mary’s in Herndon, Kansas and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Atwood, Kansas on November, 10, 1957. Eldon attended Herndon High School starting in the fall of 1949. He entered the United States Navy on May 20, 1952. He would serve in the Navy for four years rising to the rank of Commissaryman Petty Office Third Class and earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. Eldon was honorably discharged from the Navy on May 19, 1956.
Eldon returned home after his service to his country. He helped with the construction of Trenton Dam near Trenton, Nebraska. On April 27, 1957 he married the love of his life, Fay Ann Wicke at Grace Lutheran Church in Atwood, Kansas. Eldon attended fender, body, and repair school in Goodland, Kansas. He would go on to work at Anderson Motors, Hormel Chevrolet, and Kool Chevrolet. After retirement, he worked at Common Scents and Kohls Auto Parts, delivering parts.
He enjoyed gardening and loved following his kids and grandkids to all their sporting activities. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved the Huskers. He was an awesome cook and made many meals for family and friends. He also enjoyed making pickles and jelly. Eldon was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved all his family and friends.
Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Cecilia; brother, Myron Barenberg; sister, Janice and brother-in-law, Frank Irvin; and sister, Geraldine and brother-in-law, Bob Nemeth.
Survivors include his wife, Fay Ann Barenberg of McCook; son, David (Joann) Barenberg; daughter, Debra (Ron) Lauer; and daughter, Denise (Lance) Gillen all of McCook; grandchildren: Brad (Jill) Lauer, Bailey (Brandon) Crick, Danielle (Dylan) Schumacher, Kelsey Gillen, Kassidy Gillen, Easton Gillen, Brooklynn Gillen, Justin Barenberg and Logan Barenberg; great-grandchildren: Aiden Lauer, Oakland Lauer, Talan Schumacher, Torryn Schumacher, and Riylen Schumacher; as well as many extended family members, friends, and countless daycare kids that called him Grandpa.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday morning, January 27, 2022 at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook with Pastor Lonnie Felcher officiating. Interment with military honors will follow services in Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook.
Memorials are suggested to the family of Eldon Barenberg for future designation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.