Eldon Keith Versteeg, age 89, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully at home with family at his side on January 10, 2024. He fought Parkinson’s Disease, valiantly, for over 10 years. He was born in Monroe, SD, on November 9, 1934, to Cornelius and Alice Noordzij Versteeg, lived in Rantoul, IL, for 6 years, and started his freshman year of high school in Columbus, IN, graduating in 1952. He received his B.S. degree in accounting from Indiana University in 1956, where he was a member of the Kappa Delta Rho fraternity.
After college, Eldon worked in the accounting department of General Motors in Danville, IL, for 9 months and spent 7 years fulfilling his commitment to ROTC. He began his career in data processing in 1958 at Arvin Industries in Columbus, IN, where he had the opportunity to assist them in the implementation of one of the first commercial computers created by IBM. In 1964, he went to Irwin Union Bank to help them establish their first computer system. He moved to Valparaiso in 1973 to begin working at Indiana Information Controls, now Computer Services, Inc., where he held many positions and worked until he retired at the end of 1999.
In January 1962, Eldon married Marlene Verda Ann Versteeg (nee Kuester), who survives. Also surviving are their three children Stephen Keith Versteeg (D’Ette), Suzanne Versteeg Radzik, and Elizabeth Versteeg Wright (David) and 8 grandchildren: Ashley Versteeg, Derek Versteeg, Keith Radzik, Anne Marie Radzik, Jeff Radzik, Alan Wright, Jane Wright, and Jill Wright. His sister, Carol Fischer, of Centennial, CO, and his brother, Charles Versteeg (Enid), of Dublin, OH; brother-in-law, Robert St. John, 6 nephews and 2 nieces also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Fred Fischer, and sister-in-law, Carole St. John.
Eldon was a loving son, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. For 19 years the highlight of the summer for the entire family was Cousin Camp for one week in a rental house on White Lake in Michigan. Eldon loved playing with the grandchildren and prepared projects for the grandchildren to make each day.
Eldon had many interests. He enjoyed playing his baritone horn throughout his life: the Columbus FUMC church orchestra, Columbus Community Orchestra, IU Marching Hundred, and the VU-Community Band. In addition to music, Eldon loved outdoor adventures such as canoeing, kayaking, biking, cross country skiing, and sailing on his sailboat, Stardust. After retirement, he added watercolor painting and woodworking. He was a willing volunteer: New Creation Men’s Homeless Shelter, Rebuilding Together, Family House, Kiwanis projects, and United Methodist Global Ministries at Sager Brown in Baldwin, MS. Eldon had many friends who were the recipients of his kindness and quick wit.
Eldon will be cremated, and a celebration of his life will be held at the Valparaiso First United Methodist Church, 103 Franklin St. on January 20, 2024. Visitation will be 1-2 pm before the service at 2 pm. Friends and family are invited for fellowship after the service. Interment will be at St. Lucas Cemetery in Fort Branch, IN, at a later date. The service will be viewable online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwoi2WrA82Q We would like to thank FirstLight HomeCare and VNA Hospice NWI for their kind and excellent care of Eldon.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Valparaiso First United Methodist Church, 103 Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN, 46383 or New Creation Men’s Shelter, 2102 N. Calumet Ave, Valparaiso, IN, 46383.
GUESTBOOK
Marlene, sorry to hear about Eldon. You were so lucky to have him for 89 years and be able to enjoy your family together. You will be in my prayers. -JoAnn Chamberlain
Marlene, Eldon was a man with a kind heart and a gentle soul. Cherish the beautiful memories that you made together over the years. -Donna Knerr
Our heartfelt sympathies for the loss of a beloved father. We hope our contribution to the men's shelter is helpful. -Stephen Wright and Carol Chase
