Eldon L. Schimming

MIDDLETON/MONONA-Eldon L. Schimming, age 81, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 16, 2011. He was born on June 4, 1929, in Madison, the son of Henry and Julia Schimming. Eldon was united in marriage to Joan M. Neu on Feb. 3, 1951, in Madison. Eldie and Joan met in their youth growing up in the Vilas neighborhood. They both graduated from West High School and were high school sweethearts. After graduating from high school Eldon played fast pitch softball for the Stadium Bar and Frankies Tavern. He was named All-Time City of Madison Third Baseman. Eldon served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a Staff Sargent in the 2nd Battalion from 1951 until 1953. He retired from the Dept. of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles as Bureau Director after 42 years of employment. Eldon played hockey in Madison and helped coach the first youth hockey team in Monona in the early 70's where they raised their children. He enjoyed fishing, barbequing, woodworking, watching sports on T.V., and experimenting with unusual recipes in the kitchen. One of the things Eldon and Joan cherished was the many dear friends they had over the years. Eldie and Joan loved camping with their dear friends from high school. They called themselves "The Jolly Queen Campers". They often entertained friends and family at their family cabin in Manitowish Waters. Eldon especially appreciated time spent with his four children and their families and many relatives. In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, Joan, Eldon is survived by his children, John (Mary Kay), Susan (Duane) Walters, Nancy (Tim) McCauley, and Sally (John) Hartung;11 grandchildren, Jessica, Josh, Mike, Jeff, Katie, Shane, Erin, Shannon, Eric, Nickee and Kristin; great-grandson, Ethan; sister-in-law, Joanne Schimming; brothers-in-law, Don (Hazel), Bob (Elaine), Brother Bill, John(Marilyn) and Jerry (Lynn); special friend, Beth Weber;and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents;sisters, Edna (Dick) Blanchard, Mildred (Bob) Allen and Caryl Schimming;brothers, Milo, and Alvin, who died in infancy;and in-laws, Bert (Catherine) Neu and Dick (Nadia) Neu. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, with the Rev. Rick Lund presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. In Eldons words, a toast~ "Lets raise our glasses and celebrate the day, we want to go to heaven and not the other way." We know Dad is in Heaven. Memorials: Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Visitation: Visitation will be at the funeral home from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, with the Rev. Rick Lund presiding.