John James Ell, 90, of Redfield, SD, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation with family present will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield. The rosary and prayer service will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 26 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield. Reverend John Short will officiate. Military honors will take place outside the church after the service.  Lunch will then be served at the church hall.  A private family burial will follow.

 Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com).

John was born July 9, 1933, to Casper and Matilda Ell in Aberdeen, SD.

He attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Aberdeen.

He enlisted in the US Navy at age 17, during the Korean War. He served aboard the Amphibious Landing Ship APA 224.

Upon discharge in 1955, John worked delivering bread for Northside Bakery in Aberdeen. In 1957 John was offered a job with NorthWestern Public Service.

In 1958, John married the love of his life Irene Eiseman. For over 56 years, she was always his "Girlfriend". John and Irene raised six children.

In July 1972, John was transferred to Redfield as Gas Superintendent for NWPS, where he finished his career of 39 years.

Over the years, John served as President for local chapters of the American Legion, 40&8 club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, St. Bernard’s Church Board, and the Redfield Country Club.

After retiring, John and Irene toured many countries in Europe. They also enjoyed traveling the US visiting friends and family. Their favorite trip was driving to Alaska and back.

John's pastimes included golfing and bowling. Bowling was John's favorite as he bowled in many major tournaments, not to mention his bowling shoes are prominently displayed in the Redfield Bowling Alley. John built the first lighthouse overlooking Redfield Lake. This lighthouse safely guides boats and ships to their destinations. John and Irene were known for their famous popcorn balls. One year they were invited to the capital in Pierre to decorate a Christmas tree with popcorn balls. For some reason, many of the popcorn balls disappeared. John and Irene also delivered Meals on Wheels around Redfield. John drove the Veterans Affairs van for many years. Putting on over 70,000 miles taking veterans to doctor appointments. John frequented Leo's Good Food daily for breakfast and insisted on having a right-handed cup and his own plate. John would never say "No" and was always willing to help his many close friends, neighbors, and family. In his nineties, he still stated that he was "middle-aged.”

John is survived by his six children, Walter Ell, Redfield, Jeffrey Ell (Beth Olson), Aberdeen, Mark Ell (Michelle Fortin), Rapid City, SD, Kimberly Ell, Huron, SD, Carla Lutter (Jim Lutter), Fresno, CA, and Anthony (Tony) Ell, Huron, SD; as well as nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his wife Irene, his parents, and siblings Paul, Carol, Mary, Eva, Walter, Johanna, and an infant brother and sister.

John will always be remembered and fondly missed by everyone he met.