They attended high school together, were high school sweethearts, and Amy was also homecoming queen.

Through the years, he spent many vacations with his family visiting the farm and family and helping his parents with farm duties. Eldred and Amy farmed in the Osmond and Pierce communities until 1956. At that time they made a difficult and major life change to move to Columbus with their family, which now included their young son Terry. Eldred became a police officer in Columbus, and also worked on a farm as a farmhand to make ends meet. He then applied for the Nebraska State Patrol, was accepted, and attended the Nebraska State Patrol Training Camp at Ashland in the summer of 1958. Daughter Cheryl was born on Nov. 29th of that year in Columbus. They received their first assignment to Scottsbluff.

So in December 1958, with a onemonth-old baby, Cheryl, and young son Terry, they moved to Scottsbluff where Eldred was stationed for eight years. Amy said it was like moving to 'the ends of the earth.'

Eldred built their home in Scottsbluff by himself. It was a kit home.

We know they appreciated having the luxury of a brand new home with indoor plumbing, heat and electricity.

They were children of the depression.

They loved that house with its views of the Scottsbluff National Monument.

Their next transfer was to Grand Island in November of 1966. Eldred was awarded many promotions in Grand Island and his final promotion was in 1977 as captain of the Nebraska State Patrol, known as the Troop C area. He was captain of 61 troopers in that assignment. He was an excellent trooper. In one year, for example, he arrested 92 people for DUI. He loved 'working the road' as he would call it. He said it was the best job he ever had. Eldred and Amy were transferred temporarily to Lincoln in 1986 for three years. He was stationed there at Nebraska State Patrol headquarters for that time. His retirement was in 1989 after 30 years of service. The couple retired in Grand island, to the family home.

Eldred was a member of Police Officers Association of Nebraska for many years, up until his death.

Eldred was a man of many hidden talents. He was a very good cook and bread maker. He also sewed and made quilts, just like his mom Selma.

Growing up, his mom made sure that her boys could cook and sew.

He also enjoyed making key holders and lawn ornaments. Plus he loved having a big garden and doing yard work, especially mowing and taking care of his flowers. Still very much a farmer at heart.

He was a good dancer and had many wonderful spins on the dance floor with Amy over the years at family weddings, gatherings and high school reunions in Osmond. He had a great sense of humor and loved to visit and laugh with family. He was also an avid walker. Just last fall, he was walking with his cane down his street to visit with his neighbors.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Amy Folkers (at CountryHouse Residence of Grand Island); son, Terry Folkers of Brule, NE; daughter, Cheryl (Ron) Larsen of Longmont, CO; grandson, Weston (Aubrie) Larsen; great-grandsons Lukas and Landon Larsen of Berthoud, CO; nephew, Roger Folkers of Osmond, as well as many nieces and nephews and a few cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Leo and Selma Folkers; brothers: Lester, Milford and Ronald Folkers, and daughter-in-law, Kathy Folkers.

Eldred's devotion and loyalty to his family was unwavering. He was always there to lend a hand or offer advice, always so positive and encouraging. We were all so fortunate to have him for so long and so healthy, right up until the last year of his life.

He will be missed!

A full obituary and live stream information can be found at www. apfelfuneralhome.com