Eldon Stanley Lonborg

Eldon Lonborg, 85, of Centralia, passed away on February 19, 2026, from complications of prostate cancer. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Born on July 31, 1940, to Carolyn and Lloyd Lonborg in Centralia, he married Cindy Reed on September 23, 1962.

Eldon built a long and distinguished career in education with the Olympia School District, beginning as a librarian and retiring as assistant superintendent. Even while working in professional attire during the week, he remained deeply rooted in the outdoors. On weekends he could often be found in a hickory shirt and jeans with suspenders, cutting trees for lumber or firewood, mending fences, clearing roads, or simply making time for hunting and fishing. He balanced his commitment to public education with a lifelong need for time in the country.

After retiring from Olympia, Eldon continued to serve the field he loved. He accepted interim superintendent positions in Oakville and Elma, taught aspiring school administrators at City College, and acted as an expert witness in a landmark lawsuit concerning state funding for public schools. Throughout these years, he and Cindy traveled widely, often in pursuit of hunting and fishing opportunities, though they also enjoyed cruises and other journeys where wildlife was observed and photographed rather than pursued.

Eldon is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cindy; his sister, Shirley; his three children, David, Eric, and Katrina; and four grandchildren, Nicholas, Lily, Margaret, and Charles.