Eldon John "EJ" Weber

E.J. “Eldon John” Weber passed away unexpectedly peacefully next to his wife of almost fifty years on the morning of April 15, 2025, at their home in Cottage Grove, MN. E.J. was born on April 12, 1948, to Ralph and Irene (Bagby) Weber in Independence, Iowa.

He graduated from St. John High School in 1966 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country until 1970. After being honorably discharged, E.J. attended North Iowa Area Community College and received his Associate of Arts degree. He moved to Omaha, Nebraska to work for Briggs Transportation and on a weekend visiting friends in Mason City, IA, met the love of his life, Kathy.

E.J. and Kathy were married in Mason City, IA, on October 4, 1975. Together they built a cherished life, settling down in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, where they raised their family. E.J. and Kathy built his truck brokerage business from the ground up, turning an idea into a thriving and respected enterprise through determination, grit and a relentless work ethic.

E.J. was a big-hearted and steadfast man who loved his family and friends. He was a loyal Minnesota sports fan and he never missed a chance to grumble (loudly) about their inability to bring home a championship, all while loving them just the same. An avid fisherman, boater, and proud caretaker of his lawn and garden, E.J. was truly a force to be reckoned with. He raised his three daughters to “give ’em hell” and meet life head-on. A friend to many, EJ was never happier than when surrounded by loved ones, a cold drink in hand and humming along to “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere.” His zest for living life to the fullest will carry on in our memories and in the laughter, love and stories he leaves behind.

Those left to cherish Eldon’s memory are his wife, Kathy, and his daughters, Katie Oldenburg (Ron) (Cottage Grove, MN), Michelle (Hastings, MN) and Jennifer (Columbia Heights, MN); his granddaughter, Anna Oldenburg (Minneapolis, MN); his sisters-in-law Dorothy Weber (Independence, IA) and Teresa Weber (Taylor Ridge, IL); his brother-in-law Tom (Fran) Willford and many nieces and nephews and their children.

E.J. was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ralph Edward Jr. (R.J.) and Arnold Joseph (A.J.) and sisters Shirley Walsh and Alberta Martin.

The Kok Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements. A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church (All Saints Church, 8100 Belden Blvd, Cottage Grove, MN) with a visitation one hour prior to the service from 10-11 am. All are invited to a luncheon following the service. A private burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN will take place at a later date. Memorials can be directed to the care of the Weber family at Kok Funeral Home.

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