Eldon Louis Gruntorad was born on the Gruntorad family farm on July 20, 1935, in Seward to Louis and Lillian (Coufal) Gruntorad and passed away at his loving home on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at the age of 85 years, 5 months and 15 days.
He attended Seward County Rural Schools (northwest of Seward) before attending Seward Junior and Senior High School. He graduated from Seward High School in 1953. He attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, but accepted a position with the Nebraska Department of Roads in Hyannis before completing his degree. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ann (Kosch) Gruntorad on June 29, 1957, in Shelby at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Three daughters were born from this union – Laura (Alt), Lisa (Davison), and Julie (Prochaska) Gruntorad. Eldon and Ann raised their family on the family farm before moving to their new house in 1981.
Eldon was a lifetime farmer, helping his parents on the family farm. He became a second-generation farmer tilling the same ground that his father did. He enjoyed raising cattle with his father. He was a lifelong member of the St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Seward. He enjoyed the dance floor with his wife and loved listening to polka. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and their longtime friends of more than 50 years, John and Kay Keller. His favorite travel destination was South Padre Island, Texas. He enjoyed his card club for 35 years. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren perform in concerts and competing in sporting events.
Eldon is survived by his wife, Ann of Seward; daughters, Laura (Ron) Alt of Shelby and Julie (Ron) Prochaska of Seward; son-in-law, Dale Davison of Greenwood; grandchildren: Jennifer (Andy) Condon, Jonathan Alt, Bryant (Aubrey) Alt, Katrina Havlovec, Justin (Darci) Davison, Seth (Nikki) Davison and Drew (Kayla) Davison, Travis Prochaska, Traci Prochaska; 20 great-grandchildren, and a host of other friends and relatives.
Eldon was proceeded in death by his parents, Louis and Lillian Gruntorad, and his daughter, Lisa (Gruntorad) Davison.
Visitation is from 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home in Seward with family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with interment at the Seward Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gruntorad family for future designations. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
