Eldon Laverne DeVries

Eldon Laverne DeVries of Grundy Center, Iowa peacefully entered the arms of Jesus on July 9, 2023 at the age of 81. After several months of declining health, Eldon died peacefully with his beloved wife Geri and family by his side.

Eldon was born on July 24, 1941, to Elky and Clara DeVries on the farm near Fern, Iowa. At one year of age, their family moved to the farm outside of Grundy Center, which remains in the family yet today. Eldon’s fondest memories were of being raised on that farm. It was common for him to miss a day or two of school, tending to the work that was truly important, on the farm with his dad. The farm was a busy, happy place where neighbors were treated like family.

On June 17, 1977, Eldon was united in marriage to Geri (Juhl) Saak at First Presbyterian Church in Grundy Center. Two families became one and a father of two became a father of seven. Eldon filled big shoes when their families united. He was a man of integrity who kept the memory of the Saak children’s father alive throughout the years. Eldon and Geri were married for 46 wonderful years.

If you had the honor of knowing Eldon, you knew his greatest joy was his family. Nothing filled his heart with more happiness than large family gatherings, his house overflowing with those he loved. To his grandchildren, he was Papa, and no one could tell a better joke. His family loved to hear his stories of growing up on the farm and the funny things he did as a kid. They loved to hear him speak in German and even teach them a thing or two to say. He loved his family incredibly well.

He was a wonderful historian who could recall dates, names, dollar amounts and often even the weather that day. His ability to identify tractors and tell you their history was truly amazing. Even through life’s trials, Eldon never complained and was steadfast in his faith. He never met a stranger and certainly never turned down a good cup of coffee. There is much to be said of a man with such a genuine heart. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife Geri, Eldon is survived by his children Jane Hurt, Bill (Cindy) Saak, Rick Saak, Ron (Tiffanie) Saak, Teri (Al) Hook, and Gary (Cathy) Saak. Twenty-two adoring grandchildren, Lauren (Jonathan) Harris, Courtney (Sergio) Ramirez, Rob (Mindy) Saak, Katie (Brent) Schmitz, Angela (David) Mueller, Jamie (Matt) Witham, Nick Saak (Bailey Ashton), Noel Saak, Tiana Saak, Cora Saak, Jessica Saak, Clay Saak, Heather (Ted) Friedman, Jordan Hook, Meghan (Ben) Canby, Ben (Elizabeth) Saak, Logan Saak, Erika (Josh) Hoyle, Eyan (Shawna) Lindell, Eryn (Trevor) Fenneman, and Ella Lindell. 14 precious great-grandchildren, Samuel Harris, Reagan Harris, Mikayla Saak, Josh (Emma) Saak, Aleah Saak, Jacob Schmitz, Avery Schmitz, Dawson Mueller, Mitchell Witham, Callan Witham, Connor Witham, Emerson Friedman, Piper Hoyle, Finn Hoyle, Dax Hoyle, Holden Lindell, and Jett Lindell. Also, his sister Lillian Marks.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents Elky and Clara DeVries, father-in-law Ben Juhl, mother-in-law Gladys Juhl, son Joel DeVries, son-in-law Darren Hurt, brother-in-law Ed Marks, and great-grandsons Jack Harris and Conrad Mueller.

The funeral service will be at the First Presbyterian Church of Grundy Center, 801 8th St, Grundy Center, on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be at Abels Funeral Home 509 4th St, Grundy Center, on Friday, July 14 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The family will be there to welcome friends and relatives.