John 'Jack' Elden

John A. "Jack" Elden Jr., 82, of Vermilion, died Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Mill Manor Nursing Home after a lengthy illness. He was born September 7, 1932 in Cleveland, and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 51 years moving from Cleveland. Jack graduated from the University School, Amherst College, and the University of Michigan Law School. He was an attorney and served the City of Vermilion as Municipal Judge. Jack had also served on the Civil Service Commission. Jack was also involved with real estate, owning and operating Elden Properties and Firelands Security Management. He was a member of the Vermilion Boat Club, and a past member of the Catawba Island Club, Crew's Nest, Rotary, and Masons. Jack enjoyed boating throughout the Great Lakes and down to Florida. His true passion was racing. Jack owned Elden Sprint Car Racing Team, where he won over 30 World of Outlaws Races, a $50,000 Front Row Challenge, the inaugural $100,000 Historical Big One, and two Kings Royal crowns. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol (nee Walenty) Elden of Vermilion; daughter, Elizabeth (Billy) Elden Gaule of Mooresville, NC; son, John Elden of Vermilion and Palm Beach Gardens, FL; grandchildren, Clare Elden Gaule and Jianna Graham Elden; and half sister, Elizabeth Dozier. He was preceded in death by his parents, John A. and Ruth (nee Knox) Elden and step-father, Sammy Kaye. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 11, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH. Funeral services will be Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Father Ron Brickner will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church, 731 Exchange St., Vermilion, OH 44089. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.