Donald H. Eltrich, 94, of Swansea, IL, born Tuesday, March 8, 1932, in Belleville, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at his residence in Swansea, IL.
Don proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as a Communications Specialist.
Don was a retired manager with the Associated Retailers Delivery Company and the Dillards Distribution Center in St. Louis, MO for over 30 years. After retiring in 1989, he worked for Walmart in O’Fallon, IL for five years.
Don was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, attending many games, including several World Series games. He and his son, Brad, enjoyed many St. Louis Cardinal football games as season ticket holders. He enjoyed playing pinochle with his many friends at the PSOP in Belleville, IL and the Senior Center in Shiloh, IL. He was a member of Union United Methodist Church in Belleville.
Don enjoyed seeing the beauty of God’s creation through travel, and was proud to have visited all 50 states. Don and his dear wife, Elsa enjoyed traveling in numerous European countries. They enjoyed many vacations in the Rocky Mountains (Estes Park) with family and friends, climbing the many trails. They also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas with family and friends. In later years, they enjoyed spending time on the Florida Gulf in the wintertime, watching the beautiful sunsets. They enjoyed cruises in Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Most of all, he loved his family.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Henry and Viola Eltrich (Nee Lanxon)
- Sisters:
- Marian D. Eltrich
- Doris Bujnak
- Brother-In-Law: Don Bujnak
- Sister-In-Law: Tek Herman
- Brother-In-Law: Larry Herman
- Nieces:
- Beverly Rinehimer
- Kathy Bujnak
Surviving are his:
- Loving Wife of 64 years: Elsa
- Son: Brad (Nancy) Eltrich of Belleville, IL
- Daughter: Tracy (Rod) Haffer of Troy, IL
- Beautiful Grandchildren:
- Amanda (Carlos) Ramirez
- David Haffer
- Lauren Haffer
- Great-Grandchildren:
- Angie and Adrian Ramirez
- Nieces:
- Linda (Tom) Hassall
- Lisa Herman (Goddaughter)
- Donna (Ron) Homrighausen
- Nephews:
- Mark Bujnak
- Kevin Bujnak
- Nephew-In-Law: Bruce Rinehimer
- Great-Nieces:
- Katie Bujnak
- Brianna Rinehimer
- Great nephews:
- Michael Bujnak
- Kyle Bujnak
- Dale Hassall
- Goddaughter: Lauren Frerichs
Memorials: Memorials may be made Shriners Children’s-St. Louis, 4400 Clayton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 or to Union United Methodist Church Food Pantry, 721 E. Main St. Belleville, IL 62220.
Visitation: Visitation from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL
Services: Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Angie Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory-Belleville, IL.
