Eldon Gene Hogie, born on Sept. 9, 1941, in Hendricks, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Jan. 4, 2025, surrounded by his family in Brookings, South Dakota.
Eldon graduated from Astoria High School in 1959 and pursued higher education at South Dakota State University. He served his country as a member of the South Dakota National Guard. On Sept. 5, 1964, Eldon married his high school sweetheart, Karen, and together they shared a life filled with love and devotion, raising three children: Tony, Steve, and Tami.
A lifelong farmer at heart, Eldon found great fulfillment in operating the century-old family dairy farm near Astoria. In 1999, he and Karen moved to Brookings, where Eldon co-owned Xtra Space Storage with his son Steve and brother Phil until his retirement in 2023.
Eldon’s greatest joy came from spending time with Karen, his children, and grandchildren. He was a devoted supporter of their sporting events and a passionate fan of SDSU athletics. Eldon also loved dancing, playing Bingo at the VFW, and enjoying card games with friends and family. Known for his strong faith, kind words, warm smiles, caring nature, and boundless energy—earning him the affectionate nickname "the energizer bunny"—he built lasting friendships with everyone he met.
Eldon is survived by his children: Tony (Coleen) of Colorado Springs, CO; Steve (Andrea) of Brookings; and Tami (Paul) of Pierre; his cherished grandchildren: Brendan (Ally) Hogie of Vergennes, VT; Jared Hogie of Phoenix, AZ; Anastasia (Brad) Pabst of Eugene, OR; Chantel (Austin) Hoerner of Brookings; Brittney (Noah) Drew of Brookings; Angel Lorenzen and Allyson Lorenzen of Pierre and Alano Lorenzen; and great-grandchildren Jaxon Pabst, Landon Pabst, Oliver Hoerner, and baby Hogie expected in March. He also survived by his brother, Phil (Darrylin) of Brookings. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Gladys Hogie, and his beloved wife of 47 years, Karen.
Eldon will be remembered for his unwavering love of family and the joy he brought to all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who mourn his loss.
Memorial services have been set for 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at Ascension Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Memorial Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at Rude’s Funeral Home, Brookings, SD.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
