Eldor Robert Bethke Obituary in Madison at Ryan Funeral Homes BlogFAQGrief SupportSocial Security BenefitsWhen Death Occurs Navigate Contact UsEmploymentServicesObituariesOrder FlowersPlan AheadWhy Choose Us Follow Us Follow Contact Us [email protected](608) 249-8257 What Our Families Say Tiffany Foster went out of her way to accommodate all my requests, to tell me about the issues I was dealing with, and to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, completely crushed, and I thank her for that with all my heart. James S. Lynda R. Michael M. Brooke S.

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

Eldor graduated from Fall Creek High School and 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 to work at the Sterling Pulp and Paper Mill where he met his wife Delores. They were married on May 16, 1964 in Eau Claire and we were 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 for Dairy Equipment Company for over 28 years as a maintenance technician.

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

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

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

Eldor loved to grill a whole chicken in the summer. In the winter he made his mother’s homemade ice cream, a recipe that is still enjoyed by his family.

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

He was 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 AM on Friday, July 26, 2024 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2126 N Sherman Ave, Madison with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Visitation will also be held on Thursday, July 25 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison. A graveside service with military honors will be at Highland Memory Gardens in Madison following the burial.

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 to do the things he loved in life. Love you always.