Eldon Hohwieler

1934 - 2025

Eldon Hohwieler
October 27, 1934 - July 19, 2025
Eldon Hohwieler, 90, of Chester, SD passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison, SD.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Madison, SD. Visitation will be at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in rural Chester following the funeral and lunch at the church. The funeral will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com on the Rustand Weiland Funeral Chapel page beginning at 9:55 a.m.
Eldon Wayne Hohwieler was born October 27, 1934, in Chester, SD to Henry and Leona (Onken) Hohwieler. He graduated from Chester High School in 1952 and enrolled in South Dakota State University. He married Janice Lessman on June 7, 1959.
With Janice at his side, Eldon spent his life perfecting the art of farming west of Chester, SD. He didn't need modern science to raise champion hogs or turn out a bumper crop. His passion for farming began early in life in 4-H raising Duroc hogs. He also sold Funks Seed Corn. His Duroc livestock's reputation spoke for itself. His animals won many awards. He was a valued member of the Duroc Association. He and Janice retired and eventually moved to The Lakes Golf Course in Wentworth.
In addition to farming, Eldon loved music. He loved playing baritone in the South Dakota State FFA band. He loved to tell the story of the day he was Band Director for the Day and got to conduct the local high school band as they played his favorite Sousa marches. He also anchored a men's dart team.
Family and church were priorities in his life. Kids, grandkids, and great-grand kids, their spouses and animals were always welcomed at his farm. Lyndon's white retriever visited him many times at Bethel and brought great joy when he leaped on the bed with him. He was a lifetime member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Chester and then Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Madison where he held many church offices.
Eldon is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janice; two daughters, Tamra (John Ragan) and Teresa (Randy Hogarth) and one son, Lyndon (Shannon Browning). He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grand child as well as extended family.
Eldon was preceded in death by his parents and his son, George.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rustand-Weiland Funeral Chapel in Madison, SD.