Elden E. Kudlac
April 6, 1937 - August 25, 2016
Elden E. Kudlac, age 79, of Fremont
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
Obituary Provided By:
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE 68025
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