Eldon was born on February 13, 1927 to Carl and Martha (Micheel) Gradert in Virgil, SD.  The family moved from South Dakota to Ash Creek, MN in 1935.  They moved to the farm near Luverne in 1938.  Eldon went to a country school for elementary school, then to Luverne High School.  He went on to graduate from The School of Agriculture of the University of Minnesota in 1947.  He spent many evenings at the KDUV dance hall near Kanaranzi, MN and at the Arkota Ballroom in Sioux Falls, SD, where he met his future bride.
Eldon proudly served his country in the Korean War as a member of the 17th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Division, 2nd Batallion.  He served in the Army from 1950-1952. He was in the Battle of the Punch Bowl and was a guard to the United Nations delegates at the Peace Talks.  He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge.  He was then in the Army Reserves until 1956.   He married the love of his life, Ronnie Kerkvliet on April 26, 1952 in Sioux Falls, SD.  They started out near Kanaranzi, MN then farmed near Alvord, IA.   He and his family took over his parent's farm near Luverne in 1968.  He and Ronnie retired and moved to Luverne in 1998.  He was a founding member of the Rock County Rural Water District.  He was also a member of the American Legion, the VFW, and the Lions Club.  He attended St. Catherine's Catholic Church and was in the Knights of Columbus and on the church council.  He enjoyed bowling, playing cards, dancing, traveling, and having coffee with his friends at Glenn's.
Eldon is preceded in death by his parents, son Brockton, and sister Arlene (Thompson).  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, 10 months, Veronica (Kerkvliet), brother Marvin (Donna ), brother-in-law Torlief Thompson.  He is also survived by his loving children Bryce (Patti) Gradert, Karla (Dave) McKenzie, Lisa (Doug) Le May, Lynda Gradert.  Also by grandchildren Meghan, Katie, John, Caleb Gradert, Chris (Lindsey), Ann, Stephanie McKenzie, Brian, Ben, Brandon LeMay, many nieces and nephews.

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