Harold Plejdrup, Sr.
With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Harold Robert Plejdrup Sr., 90, of Cairo, who passed peacefully at his home on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Funeral services were Wednesday, June 11, at Christ Lutheran Church in Cairo with Pastor Brian Wright officiating. Burial with military honors followed at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Cairo. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. apfelfuneralhome.com.
Harold was born on October 24, 1934, in Grand Island to Jens and Helen (Layher) Plejdrup. He grew up in Wood River and graduated from Wood River High School in 1953. He entered the United States Army in January of 1956, serving during peace time. After completing his orders at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii, he returned home and entered the Army Reserves. He was honorably discharged in January of 1962, achieving the rank of Specialist and spending most of his active duty time with the 25th Infantry Division. He married his lifelong sweetheart of 67 plus years, Elaine Eickhoff, on March 9, 1958, in Wood River. Harold and Elaine built a legacy of love, resilience and purpose. Together, they raised a family that shares his values: honesty, kindness and the unwavering belief in doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. The couple initially lived on
the farm by Wood River, and in 1966 moved to their home of 59 years by Cairo.
Harold farmed his whole life and retired at the age of 80. He served on the Cairo Volunteer Rural Fire Department until his death. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Wood River. Throughout his life he served in various volunteer roles, he was 4-H superintendent, Sunday school superintendent, and served on the Elders Board at Grace Lutheran Church. He enjoyed family get-togethers, farming, old tractors, animals, attending auctions, taking photographs, and visiting with friends.
Harold’s life was defined by hard work, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. He was a man of quiet strength and deep faith. His loving family will carry forward his lessons, his stories and his spirit.
In the spirit of Paul Harvey’s timeless words, “And on the 8th day, God looked down on His planned paradise and said, ‘I need a caretaker.’ So God made a farmer.” This farmer was Harold.
God made someone who would rise before dawn and end the day after the stars had come out. Someone who never turned away a neighbor in need. Someone who understood that life’s greatest harvests are measured not in bushels, but in blessings.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; son, Harold Jr. (Holly) Plejdrup; daughters, Barbara (Terry) Robertson, and Deborah (Mark) Lemburg; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Joan Sebesta; brother-in-law, Fred (Deb) Eickhoff; and step-sister, Carrie (Larry) Powers.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lloyd and Dale; brother-in-law, Glenn Sebesta; sister-in-law, Darlene Boroff; and brother-in-law, Jim Boroff.
Rest well, Harold. The fields are quiet now, and your work is done – and it was good.