HARTINGTON — Elton A. Rokusek, 78, formerly of Tyndall, S.D., died June 10, 2024, at the Arbor Care Center, Hartington.

Funeral Mass, celebrated by Fr. Joseph Forcelle, was June 15 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Tyndall.

A private family burial at St. Leo Cemetery, Tyndall, will take place at a later date. Pallbearers were Elton’s grandchildren, Blase Rokusek, Marie Rokusek, Justin Rokusek, Matthew Rokusek, Sarah Rokusek and Elizabeth Rokusek.

Elton Rokusek was born Nov. 9, 1945, in Scotland, S.D., to Albert and Edna (Winckler) Rokusek. Elton attended grade school and high school in Tyndall. He married Alice Mae Plihal May 29, 1969, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Tyndall. They had two sons, Kevin Lee and Steven Michael.

Elton worked for 38 years as the Register of Deeds for Bon Homme County. In his free time, he loved being involved in the community, including golfing, bowling, selling Tootsie Rolls for the Knights of Columbus, and organizing/playing in the Bon Homme County Baseball Game of the Century. Elton was proud of his book, “The Unknown Star,” and spent his early retirement years talking to schools about bullying. He loved a good parade, spending time with family and friends, playing cards with old friends in Tyndall, new friends in Hartington, and the grandkids, especially Pinochle and Euchre, and talking to anyone and everyone. Elton enjoyed metal detecting, laughing, telling jokes, riding his scooter, visiting with friends at the Tyndall Barber Shop, opening Christmas gifts, watching the Vikings, and eating a good meal (especially Famous Dave’s famous feast and homemade apple crisp). He eagerly awaited Czech Days, Tyndall’s Hot Dog Night, and his grandchildren’s school events each year. Elton cherished everything about life, except chickens, including running errands, getting the mail, making appointments, and talking on the phone. His wife, Alice, was his life, and he loved telling people how long they had been married, 55 years, and together for 58 years. The two enjoyed playing cards, listening to music, drinking coffee/diet Dr. Pepper, and watching movies. Elton brought laughter, joy, and entertainment to his family and many, many friends.

Elton is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alice, Hartington; children, Kevin (Paula), Sioux Falls, S.D., and Steven (Patti), Hartington; six grandchildren, Blase, Marie, Justin, Matthew, Sarah, and Elizabeth Rokusek; a sister, Judy (Joe) Potter, Tyndall, S.D.; and a brother, Terry (Lisa) Rokusek, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Edna Rokusek; parents-in-law, Emil and Clara Plihal; many aunts and uncles, and an unborn child.