Jolley – Donald M. Eldridge 85, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at his home in Jolley.  Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at the Jolley Community United Methodist Church, Jolley, with Pastor Felix Tshibang officiating.  Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Jolley, with Military Graveside Rites by the Amvets Post #41 of Rockwell City.  Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, at the Palmer & Swank Funeral Home, Rockwell City.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

     Donald is survived by his wife Bonnie of 60 years; sons, Dean (Teri) Eldridge of Sac City, Doug (Becky) Eldridge of Seymour, David (Leah) Eldridge of Red Oak, and Dale (Holly) Eldridge of Clare; 14 grandchildren, Brandon (Domi), Blake, Mathew, Jacob, Jaxon, Nicholas (Salina), Brody, Brooke, Sabrynna, Sharadyn, Clell “CJ”, Jace, Erin (Anthony), and Owen; 7 great-grandchildren, Tucker “Fingers”, Izzy, Lydia, Elinor, Killian, Brycen, and Emersyn; and two sisters.  He was preceded in death by his grandson Zackary Eldridge; his parents, Miles and Iola (Pennimann) Eldridge; and brother James Eldridge.

     Donald Miles Eldridge was born December 7, 1937 in Sac County, Iowa, the second of four children to Miles and Iola Eldridge.  He graduated from Jolley High School, with the Class of 1957. In 1957, Don served in the United States Army and finished his military duty in the Army Reserves.  In 1963, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Jean Stamper at the United Methodist Church in Gilmore City.  This union was blessed with four sons, Dean, Doug, David, and Dale.  Throughout their 60 years of marriage, they farmed in various areas before settling down in Jolley.  Don’s true passion was farming and caring for his cows.  He also enjoyed playing cards, fishing, hunting, dancing, socializing, and watching his grandchildren in their various activities.  Family, friend, or complete stranger, Don would talk to anyone.  Don “Squiggy” to his family, had a heart of gold and loved to tease his grandchildren.  There was never a dull moment when he was around and he will be dearly missed.

     Don was a faithful member of the Jolley Community United Methodist Church, 4H Leader, MYF Leader, Town Council, Cattlemen’s Association, assistant Boy Scout Leader, and played Santa Claus for many years in Jolley.