Eldridge, Iowa calls itself the “Hometown with a Vision”; a vision that may have been first perceived way back in 1848 when Jacob Eldridge first settled in North Scott County. Or perhaps it was on July 2, 1871 when Eldridge Junction became an official town; that the founding fathers could see clearly what a fine community Eldridge was destined to be. The Wiese family has been a part of that vision for over 100 years. Heinrich Wiese, a farmer, was among the first German immigrants to start a family here. His sons, Fredrick and Peter farmed with their father, and then opened a farm implement and hardware store in Eldridge. Fredrick served as the City Treasurer for many years and his son, Robert followed in his footsteps. Robert “Bob” Wiese was born and raised in North Scott County. He is 93 years old and has lived his entire life in Eldridge, except for the four years he served in The United States Army. For Bob, the vision has always been clear: Take pride in your hometown and serve the community. In addition to running the farm implement business and raising a family, Bob and his wife, Lu contributed much to the Eldridge vision. Bob has served the community as City Treasurer and Fire Chief. He was the Scott County Assessor for 18 years, served 17 years on the City Council and sat on the Utility and Community Center Boards. Lu put in many, many hours at the Community Food Pantry, worked the meal site, and played a big part in publishing the Centennial Book when the city celebrated its first one-hundred years. Bob was a charter member of the Eldridge Lions Club and he is a 50 year member of the local chapter of the American Legion. Lu worked for the Utility Board, sat on the Board of Directors for the Community Center, and was active in the American Legion Auxiliary. They are both charter members of Faith Lutheran Church, established in 1953. Bob and Lu Wiese will celebrate 70 years of marriage in March this year and they have been committed to community service most of their lives. They have contributed their time and effort to many projects; working hard to maintain and even improve the quality of life for the residents of Eldridge. But, there is one such project that the Wiese’s had nothing to do with. Almost three years ago, Park Board Chairman Scott Campbell, City Administrator John Dowd, and then Mayor Brad Noel had a vision of a downtown park in Eldridge. When a vacant lot at the corner of North Second and Davenport Streets became available, they took action and planning for the new park began. When it was time to come up with a name for this green space in the “Hometown with a Vision”, the Eldridge Park and Recreation Board and the City Council approved the name “ Wiese Park” with a unanimous vote. There are many families in Eldridge whose lineage goes back to those first settlers from Germany. Bob and Lu Wiese are just two of the residents of this fair city that give of themselves for the greater good of all. When the citizens of Eldridge chose to honor one of their own, they chose a family that exemplifies that vision of community fellowship and service to others. Bob Wiese is currently receiving restorative care at Davenport Lutheran Home. He and Lu are here, together most every day. Bob’s sense of humor and quick wit has made him a favorite among staff and residents alike. He is described by everyone as a very nice gentleman and one who has good stories to tell. Ask him to tell you about his home town.
