Elton E. Pfile was born at home January 18. 1936 on Winneshiek Road in Stephenson County Illinois. He died March 29, 2024 at Freeport Memorial Hospital.

Elton grew up on a farm in the Winneshiek area. He graduated high school from Hesston College Academy in Hesston, Kansas. Elton attended Goshen College in Goshen Indiana and Highland Community College in Freeport IL. In 1955-1957 as a conscientious objector he fulfilled his selective service obligation by volunteering with Mennonite Central Committee in Europe building houses for refugees from WWII in Germany, working in a children's home in France, and supplied material aid to Hungarian refugees during the Hungarian revolt against communism.

He married Anita Marner November 8, 1958. She passed away August 15, 2008 after 49 years of marriage.

He worked at Micro Switch, Newell Company and Furst McNess where he retired after 25 years as distribution manager. In retirement he worked part time as a truck driver for Quality Transport.

A lifelong member of the Freeport Mennonite Church, he held many leadership positions as well as teaching. Elton raised his family on a small farm near Ridott, IL.

Elton enjoyed traveling and had visited 49 of the 50 states (all except Hawai). He enjoyed hosting many visitors from Europe and other countries. One of his traveling highlights was sailing from Seattle to San Juan Island.

Elton and Anita were involved for many years chaperoning and influencing Freeport high school Show Time tours. Making many good relationships with the young students.

Elton is survived by two daughters: Lisa (Anthony) Miller of Anderson, South Carolina, Diane (Ruth Villasenor) Pfile of Oakland, California and one son Brian (Jodi) Pfile of Richmond Hill, Georgia. Seven grandchildren: Hannah Miller, Sarah Taylor, Rebekah Herren, Jordan Brigante, Lauren Dunkel, Peyton Pfile and Hans Pfile. Two great grandchildren: Mackenzie and Makayla Herren. He is also survived by one brother, Everett (Penny) Pfile and one sister, Vera Whitten and many nieces, nephews and relatives.

He was predeceased by wife Anita, and his parents Orvis and Freda (Detwiler) Pfile; brothers, Melvin (Linda & Loretta) and Lester (Paulette).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Freeport Mennonite Church. There will be a time to visit with Elton's family following the service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Elton's name for the MCC Meat Canning Project at the Freeport Mennonite Church: LINK: https://mcc.org/events/canning

Condolences may be shared with his family at www.walkermortuary.com.