Pastor John Eldred

John "Baby Cakes" Eldred, 90, of Wausau, died June 8, 2022, at Azura Memory Care, Wausau, WI following heart failure.

He was born April 8, 1932, in Rice, MN to the late Laurel and Luverne (Thomas) Eldred. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA.

John’s career in the ministry included service at churches in Upand and Chula Vista, CA and at United Methodist churches in the Wisconsin communities of Racine, Whitefish Bay, Burlington, Merrill, Clintonville, South Milwaukee, Appleton, Spencer, Colby, Abbotsford, and Owen. Following retirement, John also served interim appointments at the Presbyterian Church in Abbotsford and at UCC churches in Owen and Merrill.

John’s interests and outreach were far-reaching including his pastoral counseling activities, reading, service on various community boards, Masonic and Rotary activities, leading tour groups to Israel, and active involvement and interests in bridge, curling, skiing, and golf.

On February 26, 1966, he married Heather (Elsmo) Eldred in Racine, WI.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law Richard and Shirley Eldred; three children from a previous marriage: Tammy Lynn Cook of Long Beach, CA, Scott Alan Cook of Scottsdale, AZ, and Vicki Joy Cook of Carlsbad, CA.

Survivors include his wife, Heather Eldred of Wausau; two sisters, Nancy Syring of Granite Falls, MN and Clarys Sheiban of HoHoKus, NJ; as well as many nieces and nephews.

At John’s request, there will be no funeral service.