Meet Our Caring Staff
Peter and LaNan Eldridge, purchased the Guardian Funeral Homes from Clarence and JoAnn Gaudian in August of 1978. The two locations are in Paullina and Primghar, Iowa. During the 33 years of operation by the Eldridge's, the name has been changed to Eldridge Family Funeral homes.
Peter and LaNan are both graduates of Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, where Peter received his Bachelor's degree in business and LaNan, in psychology. Peter continued his education by attending the New England Institute of Mortuary Science in Boston, Massachusetts, where he received his funeral director and embalming degree in 1976. He was honored by the distinction of being a Second Generation Club member at the Institute.
The couple are members of the United Church of Primghar, Peter is a past president of the Paullina Lions Club, members of the Paullina and Primghar Chamber of Commerce, and supporters of the South O'Brien School system, athletic and music programs, where their children, Andrew, Allison, Benjamin, and Jillian have graduated.
The Eldridge's have been active members of both communities, not only serving them professionally, but also fulfilling their civic duties.
Eldridge Family Funeral Home - Paullina
Peter Eldridge
Owner/Funeral Director
Benjamin Eldridge
Funeral Director
Benjamin Eldridge, a native of Paullina, Iowa, is the son of Peter and LaNan Eldridge. Ben grew up in Paullina and has been around the funeral profession since he was a small boy. Ben graduated from South O'Brien High School in 2004. He then attended Iowa State University where he majored in finance. After graduation in 2008, Ben attended the DMACC School of Mortuary Science where he received his Advanced Standing Diploma in Mortuary Science. In January 2011, Ben joined the family business. Ben is married to Sara and they have three children, Aubree, Beckett and Kennedy. They reside in Paullina. Sara began working with the funeral home in 2019. They are members of the United Church of Primghar where both are active. Ben is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Primghar Fire Department and serves as District 7 Governor and on the Legislative Board for the Iowa Funeral Directors Association. He also serves on the South O'Brien Foundation Board. In Ben's spare time he enjoys being with his family and friends, golfing, fishing, and bike riding.
Vander Ploeg Funeral Home - Sheldon
Peter Eldridge
Funeral Director
Matthew Ascherl
Funeral Director
Benjamin Eldridge
Funeral Director
Benjamin Eldridge, a native of Paullina, Iowa, is the son of Peter and LaNan Eldridge. Ben grew up in Paullina and has been around the funeral profession since he was a small boy. Ben graduated from South O'Brien High School in 2004. He then attended Iowa State University where he majored in finance. After graduation in 2008, Ben attended the DMACC School of Mortuary Science where he received his Advanced Standing Diploma in Mortuary Science. In January 2011, Ben joined the family business. Ben is married to Sara they have three children, Aubree, Beckett and Kennedy. They reside in Paullina. Sara began working with the funeral home in 2019. They are members of the United Church of Primghar where both are active. Ben is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Primghar Fire Department and serves as District 7 Governor and on the Legislative Board for the Iowa Funeral Directors Association. He also serves on the South O'Brien Foundation Board. In Ben's spare time he enjoys being with his family and friends, golfing, fishing, and bike riding.
