Dargel, Eldon O., 97, born on April 15, 1921 in Seward, Nebraska to Otto Dargel and Tina (Zimmerman) Dargel. He was baptized at St John’s Lutheran Church May 8, 1921. He professed his Christian faith at his Confirmation on June 2, 1935. His confirmation verse was John 6:68.
Eldon grew up on a farm east of Seward with his 5 siblings. Christian faith was an integral part of the Dargel family life through fellowship at St John's Lutheran Church and its school. In 1925, the family suffered the loss of their dear wife and mother. The family also persevered through historical events that included the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, grasshopper plagues, droughts, and major wars.
Following high school and trade school, Eldon served in the United States Navy. He was stationed on the USS New York Battleship for 20 months with major battles at Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Eldon married Irene Pflughaupt in Grand Island, Nebraska on March 10, 1949. The couple relocated to Wichita in 1951 where Eldon was employed by the Boeing Aircraft Company for 33 years. God blessed the couple with three children: Rita, Marva, and Gerald.
Upon arrival in Wichita, Eldon and Irene joined their beloved Immanuel Lutheran Church. Weekly worship, Sunday School, baptisms, confirmations, and weddings were among the activities the Dargel Family shared with their Immanuel Family. Eldon also enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and daily walks.
Eldon was taken by his Lord from this world for eternal salvation on June 23, 2018. He leaves behind his children, Rita (Richard) Mau, Marva (John Jr.) Metzger, and Gerald (Christine) Dargel; grandchildren Jonathan (Sheri) Mau, Michael (Nicole) Mau, John (Laura) Metzger III, and Megan Dargel; 5 great grandchildren: Evelyn, Holland, Wren, Theodore, and Maxwell.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, at Resthaven Mortuary, and 9-10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, with funeral following immediately at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 909 S. Market, Wichita, KS. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church and Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center, St. Louis, MO 63141.
