ElNathan "Nate" Ploog, 82 of Spearfish died Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at his home with his wife and son by his side.

Nate was born December 12, 1934 in Sioux County, ND to Albert and Violet Ploog, he was the older brother of Claudette and June Ann, who remained his best friends throughout his life. Nate attended school in Lemmon, SD and while playing football in high school, Coach Schroeder told him that he would never remember his name, so he nicknamed him "Boog", which carried throughout Nate's life. At a young age Nate spent his 4-H money on flying lessons without telling his mother, which led to a lifelong love of flying. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corp, Nate obtained his commercial pilots license. He became a corporate pilot for Sinclair Oil and Gas in Tulsa, OK and later flew for several corporations and celebrities around the world, a career that lasted over 33 years. Nate was the first pilot to land a Lear Jet on Easter Island in the South Pacific, while a crowd was watching and waiting for the plane to land. Nate loved to fly and was a wonderful storyteller.

Nate married the love of his life Norma Lee Delannoy in 1965 in Casper, WY. The couple had two children, Amanda Hope and Chad ElNathan. Nate and Norma were married for 53 years. The couple semi-retired in 2002 to Spearfish and purchased the Yesterday's Inn and Bed and Breakfast, that Norma had always wanted. They later started the Cellar Chic Antiques and Fine Gifts that they closed in 2015 due to health issues.

Nate was preceded in death by his parents and sister, True Hope.
He is survived by his wife Norma Ploog, son, Chad Ploog, daughter, Amanda Frazier, grandson, Matix Ploog and his sisters, Claudette (Paul) Maher and June Ann (Gary) Muskewitz.

At the request of Nate, no services are planned, inurnment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.
Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com