Born in Upland, Nebraska, August 13, 1930, Eldon passed away April 5, 2007 around noon on a beautiful spring day with birds singing outside and his faithful pups Max, Ruby and Jasmine by his side as he had wanted it. His wife, Salle and daughter LuAnn, brought him home a few days earlier from the hospital and lovingly cared for him and kept him comfortable day and night until his passing. The world will never be the same without him. He was strong physically and mentally. He was our rock. Eldon was gentle and kind and loved his family, dogs and home, which he built and lived in for 46 years. Every fence, deck, woodshed, pump house and workshop was constructed by him, along with planting hundreds of plants and trees over the years to create the wonderful oasis he was so sorry to leave when he passed. We are sure Eldon is now with his folks enjoying his mother Esther?s homemade cinnamon rolls and a cup of coffee as only those of Danish ancestry can make. Eldon?s unwavering love for wife of 53 years, Salle, can never be replaced and leaves a hole in her heart. His only child LuAnn will miss the sweet mix of a father?s undying love, laughter and simply hanging out together. Many happy times were spent at the Oregon Coast, camping at La Wis Wis and traveling through the Gorge to visit family. As a mechanical wizard, Eldon could fix anything and everything?and did through the years. He enjoyed helping his only grandchild, Joseph, restore a 1957 Mercury Monterey that had been his brother Harold?s and been in the family for 50 years. Joe would ask precisely what part he would need to fix an intricate problem that only Eldon knew how to repair on the old car and Joe would get the part and fix it with his guidance. Eldon was always ready for a game of pool with friend Ryan Flanagan or a Friday card game with Cousin Bill Christensen and wife Elaine. Time spent and dinners with Ronnie and Charlotte Wheeler made many special memories. As a promising football star in high school, he had a life long love of sports and kept up with all the scores. He served 8 years in the Army reserves. His working career was spent in the tool business at Inland Hardware, Inland Tool and later as Maintenance Superintendent for Tri-Cities International Airport. Those that passed before him; father Jesse, mother Esther, sister Elaine, brothers Harold and Vernon. Other survivors include sister-in-laws, Marilyn Ostergaard, Mindy Tobin, and Barbara Poe, nephews and nieces and scores of cousins. Contributions to Parkinson?s research would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. A Graveside Service will be Thursday, April 19, 2007, 2pm, at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, located at 10th and Union, Kennewick. I want to fly like an eagle to the sea?Let my spirit carry me?I want to fly like an eagle ?til I?m free