ELDON C. MOCK
Eldon Charles Mock, age 89, of Castle Pines, Colorado, formerly of Holbrook, NE passed away at his home on October 21, 2026. He was born on May 16, 1937, to Arthur and Sophia (Niemeier) Mock at a farmhouse in rural Gosper County, the middle of five children.
Eldon was baptized and confirmed at St.
Matthew’s Church near Arapahoe. He attended Rural School District 8 in Gosper County and then Holbrook Public Schools, graduating in 1954.
Eldon served in the Army National Guard, Company B, 128th Engineers (C), from 1955 until 1964, reaching the rank of SP5. He worked for a terrace and land-leveling company and for area farmers, including Clarence Helms and Alfred “Fritz” Schroeder, before becoming a self-employed farmer. Farming was his passion, and he worked the land in the Holbrook area for the rest of his career.
On June 3, 1967, Eldon married Ann Marie Christensen at the Presbyterian Church in St.
Paul, NE. To this union four sons were born: Scott Ethan, Michael Lee, Kevin Wayne, and Kyle Eugene. For Eldon, family always came first.
His mission in life was to give the next generation more opportunities than he had, and he worked tirelessly to make that happen.
Eldon’s faith was central to his life. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arapahoe and later St.
Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cambridge, where he served in several roles, including Sunday School Superintendent. He gave generously of his time to his community, serving as president of the Holbrook Co-op Board and the Holbrook School Board, as a 4-H Club Leader and 4-H Council member, on the Gosper County ASCS Committee, and as a member of the American Legion in Edison.
Those who knew Eldon will remember him as a true gentleman and a gentle giant. His positive attitude and quiet example influenced everyone around him.
Eldon enjoyed hunting deer and pheasants, family activities, and traveling. Family trips held a special place in his heart: Zion and Bryce Canyon to celebrate his and Ann’s 45th wedding anniversary, Steamboat Springs, CO, for their 50th, and a return to St.
Paul, where they were married, for their 55th.
After Ann’s passing, Eldon moved to Castle Pines, CO, to be closer to family, including his granddaughters, Lucy and Vivi, with whom he shared a special connection and love. He found a new community at Legacy Village Senior Living, where he was quick to smile and say hello to everyone, and always ready to talk about the latest Husker news with his fellow Nebraskans.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann; his son, Scott; and his parents, Arthur and Sophia Mock.
Survivors include his sons and their families: Michael Mock and Chad Kennelly of West Des Moines, IA; Kevin, Natalie, Lucille, and Vivian Mock of Highlands Ranch, CO; and Kyle and Christy Mock of Kearney, NE. He is also survived by his sisters and their husbands: Arlene Dillon of Kearney, NE; Carolyn and Charles Francis of Williamsburg, VA; Anita and Robert “Skip” Elfeldt of Sutherland, NE; and Lillian and Dale Stromberg of Loveland, CO.
Visitation was held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Garey Funeral Home, 652 Main St., Arapahoe, Nebraska.
Graveside service for family and friends will be held (today) at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at St. Matthews Cemetery north of Holbrook, NE. Military honors will be provided by the Edison American Legion and the Nebraska National Guard Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cambridge, NE. Garey Funeral Home of Arapahoe, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and personal reflections may be left at gareyfuneralhome. com
