Elden "Eldie" Benters, age 73 of Lena, IL, passed away on February 24, 2026, at his home with his wife by his side. He was born on January 15, 1953, in Morrison, IL, the son of John and Ruth (Duncan) Benters. Eldie married Kathleen Metzger on October 3, 1981, at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Loves Park, IL. For many years, Eldie worked for Pearl City Elevator as a manager of the Warren Co-op. Before his retirement, he worked for several years as a salesman for Ag Tech.

He was a former member of the Lena Sportsmen's Club and enjoyed pheasant hunting, training his beloved dogs, Belle and Mic, and doing field trials. Eldie was a "Hall of Fame" member of the Lena-Winslow Football Chain Gang. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and loved his family, especially his grandchildren. During the holidays he could be found smoking or grilling various foods for his family as well as being Grandpa Claus for his grandchildren.

In 2012, he received a liver transplant, and the family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Adam, for giving them 14 more years with him.

Eldie is survived by his wife Kathleen of Lena, IL; 3 children- Alex (Lauren) of Batavia, IL, Brandon (Jennifer) of Dekalb, IL, Chelsea (Ryan) Putz of Cedar Rapids, IA; grandchildren-Henry, Everett, Evelyn, Jack Benters, and Adeline Putz; brother- Charles (Shelby) Anderson of Tampa Bay, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Glenn and Kevin.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Leamon's Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

Funeral Service to follow, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Leamon's Funeral Home in Lena. Officiating will be Father Andrew Hernandez.

Interment will take place at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Lena. A celebration of life to follow at Coach's Golf and Grill in Lena.

A memorial has been established in his name.