Eldon Westhausen

Eldon Westhausen, age 78, of rural Appleton, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., Monday January 15, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton. Pastor John Ramsbacher will officiate. Interment will be in Appleton City Cemetery at a later date.

Eldon Hilbert Westhausen was born January 13, 1945, to Bernhard Henry William Westhausen and Rose Maria Ottilie Haben. He was baptized by Rev. Paul Gierke on January 25, 1945, and was confirmed May 25, 1958, Rev. Rueben Meissner, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Shible Township.

Eldon grew up on the family farm north of Appleton, Minnesota. He lived north of Appleton most of his life except for a few years when he lived in Bloomfield, Indiana. He attended parochial school in Shible Township for four years, county school for two years, then attended Appleton High School for grades 7 through 12.

Eldon worked at Tyler’s in Benson for a brief time after high school. He also started farming with his brother and raising beef cattle. He lived on the farm that was his aunt and uncle’s, Walter and Gert Westhausen. His farm grew to have many exotic animals including bison, llamas, guineas, chickens, ducks, geese, and peacocks. When moving to Indiana, he reduced the number of animals he had and began to raise goats and continued to raise guineas and chickens.

October 8, 2004, Eldon married Renee LeFever in Milbank, South Dakota. The couple enjoyed many trips together, including England, Australia, South Africa, Costa Rica, and Hawaii. After 17 years together, they parted ways.

Eldon loved caring for his animals, reading, deer and Elk hunting, going to the movies, and visiting with family and friends. He was a member of the National Kiko Goat Association, International Kiko Goat Association, and National Bison Association.

Eldon is survived by his sister Judith (Courtney) Berthiaume of Lakewood, WA, and nieces and nephews: Shari (Scot) VanBriesen of Appleton, MN, Kevin (Marcy) Rudnick of Appleton, MN, David (Tanya) Rudnick of Benson, Stacy Berthiaume of Lakewood, WA, Tammy Berthiaume of Appleton, MN, Koni (Jason) Messer of Sauk Centre, MN, Daryl Westhausen of Appleton, MN, and George (Connie Neves) Berthiaume of Appleton, MN, and other relatives and friends.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents Bernhard and Rose Westhausen, brother Bernard (Marcella) Westhausen, and sister Lois (Mike) Rudnick.

Blessed be the memory of Eldon Westhausen.