Elton Towne

Elton R. Towne

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." -I Corinthians 13:13 Elton R. Towne, 79, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, May 17, 2007. He was born in Waupun, Wisconsin, on June 4, 1927, to Allie (Kearley) and Elton Towne, Sr.
		After graduating from Waupun High School, he served in the Navy as a court reporter onboard a ship stationed off the coast of China.
After his honorable discharge on August 5, 1946, he attended Oshkosh Business College. He graduated with an associate business degree.

During his years at Oshkosh Business School, Elton met Alice Hemenway and married her on June 21, 1952. They spent the first nine years of their married life farming in the Ripon, Wisconsin area. They moved to Portage, Wisconsin, in 1961, where they spent most of their married life, moving to Eau Claire in 2003.

Elton was employed by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for over twenty-six years, retiring in 1990. He was a field collections agent whose friendly, caring personality caused him to be extremely successful and well-liked in this capacity.

Elton was a devoted family man, treasuring his wife, Alice, and his children above all else. He was known as a fun-loving, fast-talking, kind-hearted man who approached life with a sense of high-spirited gusto. He was always more than willing to lend a helping hand to friends and family.

Elton loved traveling with his wife, spending time with his children and grandchildren, golfing and square dancing. After their retirement, Elton and Alice were able to spend several winters in southern California as well as to take trips to Hawaii, Europe, New Zealand, and many other areas of the United States.

Elton is survived by his four children: Susan Billheimer (Alan) of Long Beach, CA; Sandra Irwin (Kevin) of Eau Claire; Sharon Zernia (John) of Stoddard; and Steven Towne (Gwen Ruppert) of Stoughton; his seven grandchildren: Matthew (Jessica) Irwin, Megan Irwin (Ben Holmen), Michelle Towne, Annie Towne, Fred Zernia, Peter Zernia, and Michael Zernia. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Alice, his parents, his sisters, Lois Lovejoy and Phyllis Duer, and his brother, Elwin.

Funeral services will be held at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 123 W. Hamilton, on Thursday, May 24, at 11:00 a.m. followed by Military Rites by American Legion Post 53 and then a luncheon at the church. A visitation will precede the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Friends may also call from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, at Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association or Bethesda Lutheran Church.

The family would like to particularly thank the staff of Luther Hospital, Syverson Nursing Home, and Northwest Hopice Care, as well as Dr. Akfaly, Dr. Murada, and Dr. Merrick. Elton suffered much during the past year but was treated very kindly and compassionately by so many people, including the capable private nurses who assisted in his final days at home. He was blessed by passing so peacefully to spend eternity with Jesus and his beloved Alice.

Condolences to Elton's family may be sent online at www.fullerspeckien.com.

Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.