FT. DODGE - John Fredrick Elder, 69, died July 10, 2016 at Ft. Dodge. He was born on August 24, 1946 at Olympia, Washington the son of John F. Elder and Cecilia (Contes) Junk.

John grew up in Washington State. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. On December 10, 1979 he married Michele Mack at Captiva, Florida. John was a retired pastor of the Church of the Brethren.

He was a member of the Church of the Brethren of Garden City.

John is survived by his wife, Michele Elder of Ft. Dodge; a daughter, Christian Elder of Ft. Dodge; a son, Darius Elder of Littleton, Colorado; and 5 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial service will be held at the Kansas Soldiers Home Chapel on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Memorials are suggested to the Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave, Elgin, IL 60120. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.