James W. Elmen

SIOUX FALLS - James W. Elmen, age 73 of Sioux Falls, died Sunday, March 12, 2006, at Sioux Valley Hospital. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2006, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, with interment to follow at Hills of Rest Mausoleum. Public visitation begins at 1:00 p.m. Friday, with the family greeting friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 13th & Main Ave. Memorials may be directed to the James W. Elmen History Scholarship Fund at Augustana College, Our Savior's Lutheran Church Foundation, or charity of your choice. James W. Elmen died March 12, 2006, with his family by his side, after living courageously with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) for several years. Jim was born March 31, 1932, in Sioux Falls to Lloyd and Sylva (Hellie) Elmen and lived his entire life in Sioux Falls, receiving his education at Longfellow Elementary, Washington High School and Augustana College. Jim served in the United States Army (1954-1956) as a medic in the First Cavalry in Japan. Upon return, Jim graduated from Augustana College while working with his dad and brother in the family business, Elmen Rent All, which they started in 1950. Jim and his brother Bob worked hard and took many risks, accumulating many rental stores in multiple states. Jim was a humble man who accomplished much. He chose to provide direction and leadership from behind the scenes and away from the spotlight. Jim enjoyed many fishing and hunting adventures with his dad, brother, and Uncle Ernest. Later on, Jim took numerous trips with his rental co-workers hunting deer, elk, antelope, moose and caribou, and soon after with his son, Rich, to Canada, the Black Hills, and their ranch near Buffalo Gap, SD. On June 26, 1960, he married Eloise Nadine Saugstad, upon graduation from her Nurse's training at Sioux Valley Hospital. They married in her church, Romsdal Lutheran Church, rural Beresford, SD. They were blessed with two daughters, Renee and Rebecca, and a son, Richard. He was proud of his girls, Renee earning a Nursing degree from Augustana College, Rebecca earning Nursing and Nutrition Degrees, and Richard earning a degree in Business/Economics. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren "growing up" because family was important to him. They cherish all the many good memories: family trips which included the Black Hills, where they built a log cabin near Custer, and to South Padre Island, TX, where they spent winter months in their condominium. Jim and Eloise most recently toured Norway, visiting three family farms, churches, cemeteries, and met 32 Norwegian relatives. Christmas 2004, the whole family (12) enjoyed a week's Caribbean Cruise. Jim was an avid bicyclist, riding the Sioux Falls and Mickelson Trails in the Black Hills. Jim continued with Elmen Enterprises, managing businesses and real estate until shortly before his death. Jim was very generous, giving through the Elmen Family Foundation, mainly to Sioux Falls and South Dakota Charities, including Augustana College, Sioux Valley Foundation, and Our Savior's Lutheran Church. He ushered many years at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, where Jim and his wife Eloise enjoyed over 45 years of friendship with the church's couples club. Grateful for having shared Jim's life are his wife of 45 years Eloise, two daughters, Connie Renee Elmen Hollan (Todd), Rapid City, SD, Rebecca Sue Elmen Lam (Dr. Dan), Ridgefield, WA, a son, Richard James Elmen, Sioux Falls, his five grandchildren, Heidi Renee and Cody James Hollan, Rapid City, SD, Karl Frances, Ingrid Maren, and Else Sophia Lam, Ridgefield, WA, a brother, Robert Elmen (Rita), a sister, Betty Sass (Wayne), all of Sioux Falls, brother-in-law, Dennis L. Saugstad (Ann), Weston, MO, and nieces and nephews. His parents, aunts, uncles, and two cousins preceded him in death. His family loved him dearly, remembering him as a gentle soul who lived life in a generous, loving and energetic manner. Jim worked harder than he played, but still loved life fully. For obituary and on-line registry, please visit www.millerfh.com.