Eldon "Al" Louis Friede, age 91, of Blair, died on Monday, February 19, 2018 in the Grand View Care Center in Blair.

Eldon was born on March 25, 1926 in Hillsboro, WI to Henry and Hulda (Meyer) Friede. He lived his maturing years in Eau Claire and was educated in the Eau Claire school system.

Eldon entered the World War II conflict, enlisting in the United States Navy at the age of 17. He was transferred to the United States Marine Corps and was trained by C-Med. Eldon served in the Pacific Theater with the 1 ^st Marine Division as a medical corpsman and was part of the invasion of Okinawa. Following his honorable discharge he returned to Eau Claire, entered college and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy. Eldon became a registered pharmacist, working in Stevens Point, LaCrosse and Whitehall prior to purchasing and operating Friede Pharmacy in Blair, retiring in 1993.

Eldon married Donna Mae Toraason on August 28, 1948 in the Zion Lutheran Church in Blair. They raised two sons, Steven and Douglas. Al belonged to and enjoyed working with many organizations. He was a member of the American Legion, Lions Club, Commercial Club, FFA Alumni and Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club. Eldon was also a Cub Scout Master, worked at Blair Cheese Festival events and taught Sunday School.

At the top of his activities list was sports. He played softball and tennis into his 50's, golfed and loved snowmobiling. The sports he didn't play, he enjoyed watching, especially the Packers, Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers.

Eldon is survived by his wife of 69 years, Donna; two sons, Steve (Sharon) and Doug; a half-brother, William (Iris); two sisters-in-law, Carol Toraason and Lorraine Toraason; three nieces, Leatrice Guenther, Diane Toraason and Linda Bragg; three nephews, Ron, Terry and Mark Toraason.

In addition to his parents, Eldon was preceded in death by his step-mother, Mary; a brother, Orlen; two brothers-in-law, Lyman and Richard Toraason; two sisters-in-law, Lennice Thompson and Ruth Reeves; aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 23, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Blair with Pastor David Hendrickson officiating. Burial with military rites will be held in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Blair at a later date.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service.