Elden Nolan

A Mass of Christian burial for Elden Nolan was held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fairfax, SD with Father Ron Garry officiating. Music was provided by Roberta Witt, organist. Shannon Nolan was Lector, Cindy Nolan and Holly Palumbo presented the gifts, and Mason and Emmie Hausmann were altar servers. Casket bearers were Paul Nolan, Justin Nolan, Kody Nolan, Brian Ford, Wayne Bahr, and Justin Hellbusch. Interment was in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Spencer, NE. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Elden James Nolan was born August 2, 1929 in Ravinia, SD. He was the fifth of five sons born to John Nolan and Amy Gibson Nolan.

Elden attended school through sixth grade in Ravinia until the family moved to “the creek” (Randall Creek) in 1940. Then he attended a country school about three miles from their home. He completed eighth grade, and then worked the family farm until he was drafted into the Marines in 1951.

Elden was stationed in Santa Ana, CA, and returned to South Dakota in December 1953. He then farmed with his Dad. He was in the Marine Corps Reserves for six more years and was honorably discharged on December 5, 1959.

On June 11, 1955 Elden married Nola Jean Bailey at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Fairfax, SD. They lived in the house at the creek until 1958. Then on March 12 they moved to a farm five miles north of Lynch, NE. As a family they farmed the land, milked cows, raised cows, hogs, and chickens. Neighbors were an important part of their lives as they farmed together, gathered often to play cards and celebrate birthdays.

In 1985, Elden and Nola moved to Lander, WY. He worked for the city of Lander, Emulsified Asphalt, and the job that brought him the greatest joy was putting up hay in the Jackson Hole area. He made several trips back to South Dakota to help Dennis on the dairy farm west of Bonesteel, SD.

In March 1999, they returned to South Dakota and bought their home in Fairfax. Elden continued to help Dennis on the farm, and later in life his large yard became his farm.

He was a humble man, lived within his means, and was a hard worker, and instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. His greatest joys included working the farm with three generations, dancing with Nola, family gatherings, trips with his grandchildren, spending time with friends, playing cards, and traveling.

Elden passed away at his home in Fairfax, SD, on September 21, 2024, at the age of 95.

Elden is survived by his children: Debra Ford of Fairfax, SD, Dennis (Joleen) Nolan of Bonesteel, SD, Darrell Nolan of York, NE, and Dan (Brenda) Nolan of Lynch, NE; eight grandchildren: Justin (Jordan) Nolan, Leslie (Wayne) Bahr, Kelley Nolan, Paul (Allie) Nolan, Kesha (Justin) Hellbusch, Kody (Shelby) Nolan, Brian (Heather) Ford, Crystal (Eric) Cole; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law: Eben Bailey, Earl (Tootie) Bailey, Fred (Marilyn) Bailey, and Don (Gay) Bailey; sisters-inlaw: Ruth (Gary) Lundberg, Leah (Roy) England, and Sherrill Kinzie and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Nola; his parents; parents-in-law Elvin and Tracy (Janousek) Bailey; brothers: Gerald, Keith, Clayone (Buzz), and Dale; brothers-in-law: Marvin Bailey, Richard Bailey, Gayle Bailey; and sisters-in-law Mary Ballard, Judy Nolan, Dorothy Ferguson, Elizabeth Hoffman, Pat Nolan, and Eleanor Nolan.