Eldon “Eldie” Charles Schellfeffer, age 83, of Ellsworth, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at Ellsworth Health Services after a three year-long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Eldie was born on January 13, 1942, in Red Wing, Minnesota, the son of Louis and Carrie (Samuel) Schellfeffer. He was raised in Ellsworth, where he attended school. Sadly, at a young age, his father passed away. As a result, Eldie and his brother Robert had to grow up faster than most, taking on responsibilities at the family farm to help support their family. Eldon worked for Mark Chevrolet as a mechanic for a short time before becoming involved in Civil Defense, a new initiative created post-World War II to minimize the effects of war and plan for future emergencies. Through this work, he began riding with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, eventually training as a deputy and serving for several years.

During this time, Eldie met the love of his life, Carolyn Friese. The two were married on June 22, 1971, in Brookings, South Dakota, and made their home in Ellsworth, where they spent their entire married life together. Eldie had a passion for tinkering with radios and TVs in his basement, which soon grew into a business-Eldie’s Solid State. As customer demand increased, so did his interest in electrical work. He eventually became a journeyman electrician, owning and operating Eldie’s Electric for 30 years, proudly serving Ellsworth and the greater Pierce County area until his retirement in 2008.

Eldie never asked for much in life and found his greatest joy in simply spending time with Carolyn. The couple loved camping, whether on their own or with good friends, especially at O’Neil Creek outside of Chippewa Falls. Their camping adventures evolved over the years-from a motorcycle with a tent to a bumper pull, a fifth wheel, and eventually a motorhome. Eldie enjoyed roaming the campground in their golf cart, trying his luck at catching enough fish for a fry, and most of all, playing all kinds of games. While he cherished the camaraderie of the game, he certainly loved winning, too.

He also had fond memories of ice fishing at Lake Mille Lacs with family. While he enjoyed catching fish, he took even more pride in being the fish shack cook. He wasn’t one to turn down a road trip-especially if it led to Hinckley, Turtle Lake, or Treasure Island to try his hand at the slots. He also enjoyed motorcycle rides with Carolyn and sometimes even their dogs Pooh Bear and later Patches would come along.

A Memorial Visitation for Eldie Schellfeffer will be Thursday, February 27th from 4:00PM until 7:00PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth. All are welcome to come and share stories to remember a great man. Interment will be at a later date. Memorials given will be used to further Eldie’s legacy.

Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth, WI. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call us at 715-273-4421.