Eldon Blanshan

Eldon Roger Blanshan, 86, was born on February 3, 1931, at home on the family farm east of Grand Junction, Iowa. He was the fourth of five boys born to Ernest and Lela (Dugan) Blanshan, at a location that would be recognized as a Century Farm in the 1970’s, designating land farmed by the same family for a hundred years. Eldon attended Grand Junction High School and attained an associates degree funded in part by the G. I. Bill. Eldon was a proud veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Korean War. He was a life-long member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

Eldon married M. Madonna Mestdagh on August 10, 1963 in Boone, Iowa, and together they had one daughter, Bridget K. Blanshan. Eldon was a career rural mail carrier serving the communities of Grand Junction and Paton and retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1990 after 30 years of service. Eldon earned numerous safe driving recognitions culminating in a career approaching a million miles driven without an accident. Shortly after retiring from the post office, Eldon was employed by the then Boone County Transportation where he spent 17 years driving a bus serving small children, people with disabilities and senior citizens. He found this role very gratifying, always taking seriously his responsibility for his passengers’ safety and going the extra mile to help people in need. Through his work with the post office and Boone County Transportation he developed cherished, lifelong friendships. In addition to his work, Eldon enjoyed farming and gardening. He took pride in his home and acreage and particularly enjoyed hosting events with Madonna for their extended family.

Eldon and his beloved dog, Ralph, moved to Escondido, Calif., in August of 2010 to share a home with his daughter, Bridget. As of September, 2016, he was under the care of Elizabeth Hospice of Escondido which provided physical and pastoral support and comfort through his peaceful passing at home on March 4, 2017.

Eldon is survived by his daughter, Dr. Bridget Blanshan; Sylvia Stowers, whom he loved as a daughter; one brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Fran Blanshan of Fort Dodge, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews and dear friends whom he loved very much. Eldon is proceeded in death by his wife, Madonna; his parents; and three brothers and sisters-in-law: Willis and Alice Blanshan, Floyd and Mary Blanshan, and Gerald and Phyllis Blanshan.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall in Boone. Burial of his cremains will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Boone. Military Honors will be conducted by the Boone Veterans Council. Friends may call at the funeral chapel on Sunday from 5 until 7 p.m. where a Vigil Service will be held at 7 p.m. On Monday, friends may call at the Chapel from 9 a.m. until service time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans. Online condolences may be made to www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.

Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel in Boone is assisting the family.