Dr. Franklin Eldridge, a vibrant man of 98, died on January 27th after an intense but brief encounter with sepsis. Franklin was a loving father, a devoted husband, a curious scientist, an active golfer, an enthusiastic Cornhusker fan and a world traveler. He lived a rich and active life to the end including traveling to Italy in 2016 and “clearing the table” with his pool buddies in December. He loved the beauty of the world and captured it often and well with his camera.
Franklin earned his PhD at Cornell and worked as a University Professor at K State and UNL where he also served as Associate Dean of the School of Agriculture for several years. Franklin authored and published a textbook “The Cytogenetics of Livestock” which became the definitive text in the field. Franklin also served as the President of the National Association of Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) during his tenure. He was a cook in the army during WWII and took part in the reconstruction mission focused on agriculture in Tokyo following the war.
Franklin was born on June 14, 1918 in Fruitland, Idaho to Frank Eldridge and Margaret Jeffers. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Della Eldridge, his little daughter Karen Eldridge, his grandson, Brady Eldridge and his 3 sisters Opal, Velma and Connie. Franklin is survived by wife, Cheryl Eldridge, son Larry (Kas) Eldridge, son Paul (Moon) Eldridge, daughter Kathy (Jim) Jaques, daughter Kathy (Mark) Landschulz, daughter Patty (Mark) Babcock and son Mike (Kim) McCarty. Franklin is also survived by 15 adoring grandchildren and 13 adorable great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at Roper and Sons, 4300 ‘0’ Street (Lincoln) on Wednesday, February 15th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Memorial service will be held at Eastridge Presbyterian Church on Thursday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m. with lunch following.