died Thursday afternoon (August 25, 2016) in Nye Legacy.
Elden was born April 6, 1937 near Howells, Nebraska to Rudolph and Verona (Broekemeier) Kudlac. He grew up on the farm near Howells and graduated from Howells High School in 1954. Elden joined the United States Army in 1956. Following his active duty, he remained in the Reserves for several years.
On January 2, 1957, he was married to Lois Rabbass at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Beemer, Nebraska. They lived for a time in Texas while he was stationed at Ft. Hood. Following his discharge, they couple made their home in Fremont. Elden worked at Safeway Grocery and Gambles Warehouse before starting his lifetime career at George A. Hormel Co., now known as Hormel Foods. He worked in various departments until 1975 when he became a Journeyman Electrician in the maintenance department and completed a four year correspondence course to become an electrician. In 1994, Elden was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In January of 1995, he was severely burned in an accident at work, but was able to return to work seven months later. He retired with a disability in 1998.
From 1964- 1971, Elden took on a part-time job painting to supplement the family income allowing Lois to stay home with their four daughters. Elden received a certificate for Upholstery and Interior Decorating, so from 1971-1974, they reupholstered furniture. In 1975, they started a home rental business, doing most of the repairs together. They sold the last of their rentals in 2009. Many of their tenants became their friends.
Elden and Lois built their first home in 1959, and another in 1969. In 1987, they built their current home, which accommodated the wheelchairs two of their daughters would soon use. Elden and Lois did all of the painting and staining, as well as the landscaping.
Elden's family and friends lovingly knew him as the man that could fix anything, and he could strike up a conversation with anyone. He and Lois enjoyed many years of dancing and traveling. They enjoyed playing cards, especially pitch, pinochle, and sheepshead.
Elden has been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving on various boards and committees for both the church and school. He was a member of Lutheran Layman's League, Hormel Retirees, Pitch Club since 1966 Pinochle Club since 1992. He was also a member of Fremont Eagles Aerie 200.
Survivors: wife Lois
4 daughters Linda Montgomery and Sue Kudlac, Omaha
Cindy (Larry) Kruse , Ankeny, Iowa
Deby (Don) Nielsen, Fremont
6 grandchildren DeAnna (Ken) Moore, Laura Montgomery, Dana (Becky) Nielsen,
Eric (Shannon Cece)Kruse, Lindsay (Jon) Reams, Amanda (Dan) Say
12 great grandchildren
brother Dale (Carol) Kudlac, Kennesaw, Georgia
sister's-in-law and brother's-in-law; Donna Kudlac, Fremont; Harlan Russman, Pender; Larraine and
Mel Weitzenkamp,Fremont; Larry Rabbass, Delray Beach, Fl.; Carol and Tony
Giesselman, Omaha; Gladys and Stan Whitcomb, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Janelle and
David Hoefs, Seward
Elden was preceded by his parents Rudolph and Verona, stepfather Walter Heuerman, mother and father-in-law
Walter and Malinda Rabbass, stepfather-in-law Jim Means, stepsisters and brothers-in-law Carol Russman, Wanda and Floyd Monette, Waleen Rabbass, and his brother Kenneth who passed away the same day.
The funeral will be 1:30pm Wednesday August 31, 2016 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2pm to 8pm with the family present from 5pm to 7pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont.
Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(8)
lynn jackson
omaha, NE Tuesday, September 6, 2016 To Linda and SueMy thoughts and prayers are with you today and everyday , May the Lord bless you and your family and give you all some comfort and peace knowing he is with God in heaven. Love you girls !
Lynn Jackson
Erich Langan
Arvada, CO Tuesday, August 30, 2016 Lois and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss! Elden was such a great person! He will sincerely be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.Suzanne (Beed) Jensen
Fremont, NE Monday, August 29, 2016 Lois and family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss! Elden was such a great person to me and my children when they were growing up! He will sincerely be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayersJerome & Shirley Kersten
Peoria, IL Saturday, August 27, 2016 Lois and family, We were so sorry to hear of Elden's passing. We always enjoyed visiting with you two when in Fremont. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We were sorry to hear of Ken's passing on the same day. Both Brothers are in Heaven together.Suzanne Baker
Omaha, NE Saturday, August 27, 2016 So sorry for loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.Jim and francie (kudlac) royal
Shawnee, OK Saturday, August 27, 2016 We'll miss him. Lots of memories of the cousins up north. Prayers are with you and the family.Pam
Plattsmouth, NE Saturday, August 27, 2016 Dear Lois, Linda and Sue,My heartfelt condolences to your family at the loss of your sweet Elden. I so enjoyed visiting with him at The Ambassador and having dueling cane contests with him early on for both of us.....He was a very loving family man and will be greatly missed by many. My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time but I know you will be able to draw on the Lord's strength to pull you through your grief.
Alison (Kudlac) Walker
Moore, OK Friday, August 26, 2016 Thoughts and prayers to the entire Kudlac family, Lois, Linda, Cindy, Deby and Sue.