Eldon Dorsey

Eldon D. Dorsey, son of Haskel L. and Eva Ruth (Meins) Dorsey was born at home on Feb. 5, 1931. He passed away peacefully with family members present on January 5, 2023.  

He married Elizabeth Giles on June 18, 1954 spending 47 cherished years building a family and a life together before her passing on March 17, 2002. His parents preceded him in death, along with his sister, Shirley Naffziger and his infant brother, Kenneth Dorsey and his nephew, Ricky Naffziger.    

He is survived by his daughter, Katherine Tracy, of Morton, and his son and daughter-in-law, John and Kathryn Dorsey of Delavan. He is survived by seven grandchildren, Jill Williamson, Corey (Brea) Dorsey, Ryan (Tricia) Williamson, Amy Jo (Nicholas Conklin) Wiliamson, Cassandra (Grant) Tyler, Christopher Dorsey, and Chelsea (Daniel) Burdette and 10 great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Noah Williamson, Grace and Anna Williamson, Ashton Conklin, Tayven Dorsey, Jaali and Eli Tyler, Austynn and Dax Burdette. He had one great-great grandchild, Layla Williamson. Survivors also include two nieces and three nephews, along with their families. 

Prior to residing at Mason City Nursing Home, Delavan had been his home his entire life.  He said many times that Delavan was the greatest town in all of the world in which to live.  

Eldon graduated from Delavan High School with the Class of 1949. Upon graduating, he joined the Army National Guard.  In 1951 he was enlisted in the Army and was sent to fight in the Korean War.  He celebrated his 21st birthday while serving his country.  After returning home he went into business, owning and operating the D-X Station and then the Gulf Gas Station.  In 1966 he went to work for Hiram Walker Distillery, and he later worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company.  He finished his career being employed by Prudential Insurance and as the manager of Delavan Mutual Insurance.     

Throughout the course of his lifetime, he formed many lasting relationships.  Many of those friends  have since passed away, but he had many cherished memories of their times together.   

Eldon was fortunate to have had a long, well-lived life. He instilled strong family values, leading by example.  He was proud of all that he had accomplished over the years.  His family was his biggest pride and joy. He was also very proud of his military service and the was thrilled, when in 2013 he was able to attend the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Throughout the years, he gave his family all of his love and he will be missed, but forever held close to us all in our hearts.    

A masonic service will be at 9:30 am Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan followed by a visitation from 10:00 to 10:45am. His funeral will be at 11:00 am at the funeral home.  Pastor Charles Graul will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan. 

Memorials may be made to Delavan American Legion or Delavan United Methodist Church. 

To express condolences online visit www.davisoswaldfh.com.  

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