Lyle Eldridge

Lyle Eldridge, 77, of State Center, Iowa, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 24, 2023, in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his loving family.

Services for Lyle will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in State Center beginning at 10:30 A.M. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Memorials in Lyle’s name may be directed to the Bliss Cancer Center at Mary Greeley Medical Center or to the family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Lyle Edward Eldridge was born September 22, 1945, to parents Howard and Goldie (DeVault) Eldridge in Marshalltown, Iowa. He was one of 5 children. Lyle attended school in State Center and graduated with the first graduating class of West Marshall High School in 1963.

On July 19, 1964, Lyle was united in marriage to the love of his life, Linda Jens at St. Paul Lutheran Church in State Center, Iowa. Side by side, they worked together and raised their three children on their farm near Rhodes, Iowa. He raised cattle, hogs, hay, corn, and soybeans. He fixed all his own equipment, spending many hours in the shop. He was a member of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, volunteered for the Rhodes Fire Department, and was a member of Lincoln Valley Golf Course in State Center, where he served on the board for many terms.

When he wasn’t farming, Lyle spent as much time as he could with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, following their many interests and activities. He also enjoyed playing cards, particularly Pepper, as well as league bowling in his younger years. In 2006, he built his own golf course, 6 Tees, which he meticulously cared for so he could play his favorite game with his family.

Those left to remember and cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Linda; his children, Annette (Tracy) Davis, Brian (Sue) Eldridge, and Cory (Shannon) Eldridge; his grandchildren, Tanner (Ashley) Davis, Taylor (Tanner) Collins, Zach Eldridge, Dresden, Dreah, Dalton, and Dalaney Eldridge; his great-grandchildren, McCoy and Jewels Collins and Olive, Oaklynn, and Ellie Davis; his siblings, Leah VandeKamp, Howard Jr. (Pam) Eldridge, Reggie (Marla Knight) Eldridge, and Jennie (LaVern) Karsjen; along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Howard and Goldie; mother-in-law Mabel Jens; his father and mother-in-law, Delbert and Velda Jens; sister-in-law Karen Bowen; and brother-in-law Jerry VandeKamp.