Eldon L. “Eldie” Merfeld, 84, of Zwingle, Iowa passed away peacefully, on July 16, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be on Monday, July 20, 2026, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, with a wake service to be held at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21st, 2026, at St. Joseph Key West Church with Fr. Martin Coolidge officiating. Private family burial will be at Assumption Cemetery, Sylvia Switch.

Eldon was born on February 23, 1942, in Asbury, Iowa, the son of Nicholas L. and Marie (Simon) Merfeld. Eldon found love with Susan Becker, the two were united in marriage on August 1, 1964, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in East Dubuque. To this union they were blessed with 5 children; Eldon was a devoted and supportive father who loved each of his children dearly. Eldon and Sue raised their family together until her untimely passing on December 22, 1996.

Eldon was blessed to find love once again and married Connie Gieseman on November 5^th, 2000, at St. Theresa’s in LaMotte. They shared many years enjoying time camping, dancing and traveling, along with spending winter months in Texas and Mesa, AZ. They formed many treasured friendships while traveling.

He had a deep love of the outdoors; he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping with his family. Of all the places he’s travelled to, he especially loved his time at the cabin. He was known to be able to fix or build anything for friends and family and was often in his shop working on a project. He loved playing cards; euchre and cribbage were his favorite. He could always find a favorite western on TV. He was a past member of Assumption Sylvia Switch Church in Zwingle, and a current member of St. Joseph Key West and the Knights of Columbus Council #4236. He worked in the maintenance department at John Deere for 30 years, retiring in 1996; he was a member of the UAW Local 94.

Survived by his wife, Connie; five children, Jay (Angel Schiffer) Merfeld, of Dubuque; Brett (Julie) Merfeld, of Zwingle; Tresa Heber, of Dubuque; Jenifer (Ed) Pickel, of St. Donatus, and Tom (Katie Spears) Merfeld, of Zwingle; Connie’s son, Bryan (Kim) Heiar of Peosta. Grandchildren: Mark Heber, Nick (Jessica) Merfeld, Rachel (Nick) Stevenson, Megan (Javon) Duarte, Zoey Benn, Aubrey Sue Merfeld, Caleb (Julie) Heiar and Alexa (Trent) Heiar; three great-grandchildren Mia, Becker, and Brooks; siblings, Millie (Randy) Dolter, Shirley Smith, Carol Miller and David Merfeld; in-laws, Pat Merfeld and Adele Merfeld; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded by his parents; 1st wife Sue in 1996; siblings, Dorothy (Marty) Tigges, Lawrence “Larry”, Merlin (Mary), Bernard, William “Bill” Merfeld and Diane (Don) Schemmel; brother-in-law, Bill Smith; son-in-law, Dan Heber; and daughter-in-law, Iris Merfeld.

In lieu of flowers an Eldon Merfeld memorial fund will be established.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Jackson County, Home Instead for their loving care of Eldon, and all the family and friends who have provided support during this difficult time.