Eldon Erik Swanhorst, 87 of Rapid City and formerly from Spearfish, went to Jesus' arms August 2, 2018 and is riding the best Goldwings now.

Eldon was born September 6, 1930, to Frederick and Erika (Russman) Swanhorst in Faulk County, SD. He went from eighth grade straight to farming. Eldon married Marcelle Melius in 1949. They lived in Rapid City and Sheboygan, WI before returning to buy a farm near Faulkton, SD.

In 1977, he retired from farming, Marty from nursing, and they enjoyed life in Spearfish and Mesa, Arizona. After retirement, he stayed connected to agriculture working with and for State and Federal government agencies and served on the Cenex Board. Eldon could be seen riding his Honda Goldwing on any street, highway or trail in the Black Hills.

Marty passed away in 2002 after 52 years of marriage. He married Karen Kyllonen Holzworth in 2003 and they had 15 years together.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marty; his parents; sister, Rosemarie Melius; brother, Siegfried; brother-in-law, Claire Melius and sister-in-law Betty Swanhorst. He will be missed by his wife Karen; son Lance (Sue) and son Matthew; son Philip and daughter Sadie; step sons, Mark Holzworth, John Holzworth and daughter Addison. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Joetta Swanhorst; brothers, David (Hedi), John (Donna), and Bob (Trish); and many Swanhorst and Melius nephews and nieces.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 Am on Friday August 24, 2018 at St Paul Lutheran Church in Spearfish. Inurnment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to benefit Regional Hospice of Rapid City or St Paul Lutheran Church in Spearfish.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com