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Submitted: 5/21/23 • Approved: 5/22/23 • Last Updated: 5/25/23 • R275074-G0-S3
Eldon Joseph Ronan
September 01, 1945 - July 05, 2022
Eldon Joseph Ronan was born September 1, 1945, in Beresford, SD, to William and Ethelyne “Ett” (Heisler) Ronan. The youngest of three boys, Eldon grew up and received his education in Beresford.
On November 7, 1962, Eldon entered the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the U.S.S. Norton Sound (AVM-1). Eldon served as a Petty Officer Third Class sailor and received an honorable discharge on August 18, 1966. He was awarded the Good Conduct and the National Defense Service Medals.
“Eldy” was a guy who appealed to everyone with classic “old school” values of an earlier generation. Those values, coupled with his easy-going personality, helped build a successful professional career which began at J. I. Case Co. in Omaha, NE, where he wrote financial contracts for both agriculture and industrial equipment. He later joined Pacific Gamble Robinson (PGR) in Sioux Falls, SD, as an internal auditor which provided travel opportunities from the Midwest to the Pacific coast and several Canadian provinces. PGR became Food Services of America and from 1975–1998 Eldon was a district sales representative.
On May 3, 1980, Eldon married Susan “Sue” Griffith at St. Lambert’s Catholic Church in Sioux Falls. Together they raised two children, Gabriel and Sara. He was proud of his children and shared in their personal and professional successes.
Eldon was the primary care-giver for his mother Ett until her passing in 1985, and in his sly, subtle sense of humor teasingly referred to her as “the old bat!” She was thought to be the inspiration for sassy “Maxine,” the uber-crabby, blue-haired, fictional grandmother created for Shoebox greetings cards.
Eldon created lasting memories with his family. He and Sue enjoyed hosting many family gatherings. His summer-time backyard usually included good food, friends, and yard games. Many weekends were spent camping at the Red Barn RV Park in Tea, SD. He liked to put his grill-master skills to work whether preparing a whole salmon he caught in Alaska for a family celebration or making annual BBQ ribs for the 4th of July, a particular favorite holiday of his. He loved setting off fireworks, despite the fact, that while doing so as a kid, he accidentally burned down the Beresford fireworks stand!
Eldon enjoyed golfing, playing cards, and bowling. He liked the music of Elvis and Frank Sinatra. He loved sharing a good joke and sipping a beer or freshly made cocktail. He was a big college football fan and spent many Saturday afternoons cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He also enjoyed traveling. Sometimes he visited his life-long friend Bill Lundeen in Las Vegas. Other times, Eldy, Bill and other buddies ventured to Alaska to go fishing. In addition to multitudes of friends, he was close to his brothers Donald and Lemoine and their families.
Eldy lived life simply and humbly. And that elemental simplicity sparked a quiet admiration and respect from those that knew him best. Like the popular 1980’s sitcom “Cheers,” Eldy nurtured many friendships at favorite neighborhood watering holes like The Upper Cut and The Alpine Inn. He took everything in stride and at his own pace. And while he had a gift of engaging others, he was careful to keep a reserved nature himself. Perhaps this is best explained by a clipping posted on his refrigerator quoting Proverbs 29:11: “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in.…”
Grateful for sharing their life with Eldon are his two children, Gabriel Ronan and Sara Ronan; former spouse Sue Wollmuth, all of Sioux Falls, SD; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Eldon was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 11, 2022 at Heritage Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home. www.heritagesfsd.com.
Section Willow Plot # 763
petty officer 3rd calss personal man
Contributed on 5/21/23 by 9katz
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Record #: 275074