06/12/2024
Elton A. Rokusek, age 78, formerly of Tyndall, died Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Arbor Care Center in Hartington, NE.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with a 10:00 a.m. Rosary, followed by a 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass, celebrated by Fr. Joseph Forcelle, on Saturday, June 15th, all at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Tyndall, SD. Lunch will follow the funeral Mass and a private family burial will take place at a later date. Pallbearers are Elton’s grandchildren: Blase Rokusek, Marie Rokusek, Justin Rokusek, Matthew Rokusek, Sarah Rokusek, and Elizabeth Rokusek.
Elton Rokusek was born on November 9, 1945, in Scotland, SD to Albert and Edna (Winckler) Rokusek. Elton attended grade school and high school in Tyndall. He was united in marriage to Alice Mae Plihal on May 29, 1969, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Tyndall. To this union, two sons, Kevin Lee and Steven Michael, were born.
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 (married 55 years, together 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, of Hartington, NE; children, Kevin (Paula) of Sioux Falls, SD, and Steven (Patti) of Hartington, NE; 6 grandchildren, (Blase, Marie, Justin, Matthew, Sarah, and Elizabeth Rokusek); a sister, Judy (Joe) Potter, of Tyndall, SD, and a brother, Terry (Lisa) Rokusek, of Sioux Falls, SD; 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.
