Eldon Haffele

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, Eldon John Haffele was reunited with his wife, Jeannine, after 15 years apart. Eldon peacefully passed away at the SSM Monroe Clinic Hospice House, Monroe, Wisconsin. 

Eldon was born on September 2, 1931, to Clifford and Sarah Haffele in Freeport, IL. Eldon grew up North of Warren, Illinois, on the home farm. He attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse up the road, before graduating high school in 1949 from Warren High School. After graduating from high school, Eldon joined the United States Navy and was an active member from 1950-1954. He served the United States Navy during the Korean War.   

Eldon and Jeannine (Kuhleman) were united in marriage on August 28, 1951. After Eldon’s tour of service, they returned to the area and started farming before purchasing the family farm in Gratiot WI. During their marriage, they welcomed five boys. Eldon was a dedicated and loyal farmer until his final breath. His love for farming was apparent to all his family. In addition to farming, Eldon’s greatest love was Jeannine. They spent many Sunday nights dancing, participating in card clubs, and traveling. Eldon also enjoyed carpentry/remodeling, watching the Green Bay Packers, and mowing the lawn. 

Eldon is predeceased by his wife Jeannine, sons Mike Haffele and Tim Haffele, his parents, and his brother Paul and brother-in-law Roger Kuhleman. 

Left to cherish the memories are his sons: Dan (Barb) Haffele of Warren, IL; Ken (Sue) Haffele of Monroe, WI; and Greg Haffele of Gratiot, WI. Grandchildren: Brian (Jen) Haffele, BJ (Julia) Haffele, Bethany Haffele, Cammie (Mark) Curran, and Ryan (Amanda) Haffele. Great-grandchildren include Drew and Cole Haffele, Alex and Adan Haffele, Harvey and Stella Haffele, Ben Curran, and Autumn and Avery Haffele. Sisters-in-law Judy (Don) Gates and Kathy Kuhleman along with many nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

Graveside services for Eldon will be on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:30 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Gratiot with Fr. Michael Chika officiating where military graveside rites will be accorded by Gratiot V.F.W. Post #9692. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.