Eldon Leo Korf

Eldon Leo Korf was born on the family farm northeast of Yuma on March 7, 1943 to Robert and Minnie (Zwim) Korf.

Eldon joined an older brother Robert. A few years later their family was completed when their sister Judy was born.

As the three kids were growing up, several cousins and their parents were frequent weekend visitors. Whenever they were together, they left no stones unturned. The cousins would ride horses and play cowboys and Indians or hide and seek until it was time for the city boys to leave.

Eldon usually had a rope in his hand. He loved to try to rope the cows as he was getting them in from the wheat pasture. Nothing upset Eldon more than his horse pulling away from him when he would get off so the horse could eat some green wheat. Eldon would almost reach the reins and Silver would toss his head sideways and not let him get ahold of them. After a few choice words and stomping after the horse, he was usually successful and caught the horse.

Eldon attended Red Willow School and Yuma Union High School. During High School he participated in Football and qualified for State Wrestling in 1961 and won fourth place. It was during High School that Eldon met Janie Goodman. They were married on February third 1963. This union produced four children: Michael Wayne, Juli Ann, Keith James and Sara Jane.

Eldon had several things happen to him over the years. His foot was almost cut off by a sickle mower, had a gunshot wound in the leg, suffered through two bouts of rheumatic fever, and was burned in a stubble fire.

In 1977 he started having trouble retaining fluids and went to the doctor. The doctor wanted to hospitalize him to remove some of the fluid. Eldon told him he would only agree to stay overnight because the grain cart gear box was out and the parts would be in the next day. That was the beginning of a lengthy illness. Finally a pacemaker and later a defibrillator were implanted. Eldon was actively farming until three years ago. It was then he was able to enjoy Lake McConaughy and fishing in the river for catfish. He became known as "catfish Daddy" to Trevor and Stadel Lake Mac was where Eldon and Janie celebrated their fiftieth anniversary with their family.

Three years ago, Juli took Janie and Eldon on a trip to Oregon and Idaho to see relatives. Eldon was so happy to see the Pacific Ocean and a lot of other fascinating sites in the Pacific Northwest.

In 2015 the group headed west again and got to see Mt. Rushmore, Old Faithful, Mt. Saint Helens, Crater Lake, Belknap Lava Beds and the Redwood Forest. Many great memories were made on these trips. Both Janie and Eldon learned what selfies were on these trips.

Grandpa Eldon enjoyed attending any activity the grandkids participated in: Pee Wee wrestling, football, basketball, volleyball, softball, and baseball games, concerts, State FFA Degree presentation, FFA banquets and labor auctions, regional and state baseball playoffs, demolition derbies, and any other activities they were in. He has even been known to stop at a field for a "'quick" visit with the

farmer grandson. Grandpa was looking forward to being there for the youngest grandson's activities throughout his growing up.

Eldon was a man of few words, but he loved his family very much and was proud of their accomplishments. He will be deeply missed, and forever in our hearts.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Minnie, his brother Robert, mother- in-law Dixie Goodman, brother-in-law, Ron Goodman and his sister-in-law carole Goodman.

He is survived by and will be greatly missed by his wife of 53 years, Janie, son Michael,  daughter Juli Pletcher (Greg) and their sons Trevor and Slade, son Keith and wife Dawn, and their son Ryker, and  granddaughter Kayla Korf, daughter Sara Korf sister Judy Mccall (Dale), sister-in-law Pat Korf, aunt Mary Marshall (Johnny), several nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends.

The funeral service was held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Life Christian Center in Eckley, Colorado with Pastor Glen Kline officiating.  The interment followed at the Yuma Cemetery in Yuma, Colorado.  Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.