Elden James Nolan was born August 2, 1929 in Ravinia, South Dakota.  He was the fifth of five sons born to John Nolan and Amy Gibson Nolan. Elden passed away at his home in Fairfax, South Dakota on September 21, 2024 at the age of 95.

Elden attended school through 6th grade in Ravinia until the family moved to "the creek" (Randall Creek) in 1940.  Then he attended a country school about 3 miles from their home.  He completed 8th grade, and then worked the family farm until he was drafted into the Marines in 1951.

Elden was stationed in Santa Ana, California and returned to South Dakota in December 1953.  He then farmed with his Dad.  He was in the Marine Corps Reserves for 6 more years and was honorably discharged on December 5, 1959.

On June 11, 1955 Elden married Nola Jean Bailey at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Fairfax. They lived in the house at the creek until 1958.  Then on March 12 they moved to a farm 5 miles north of Lynch, Nebraska.  As a family they farmed the land, milked cows, raised cows, hogs, and chickens.  Neighbors were an important part of their lives as they farmed together, gathered often to play cards and celebrate birthdays.

In 1985, Elden and Nola moved to Lander, Wyoming.  He worked for the city of Lander, Emulsified Asphalt, and the job that brought him the greatest joy was putting up hay in the Jackson Hole area.  He made several trips back to South Dakota to help Dennis on the dairy farm west of Bonesteel.

In March 1999, they returned to South Dakota and bought their home in Fairfax.  Elden continued to help Dennis on the farm.  Later in life his large yard became his farm.

Elden was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a humble man, lived within his means, and was a hard worker and instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren.  His greatest joys included working the farm with three generations, dancing with Nola, family gatherings, trips with his grandchildren, spending time with friends, dancing, playing cards, and traveling.  And today Elden and Nola are again in each others' arms dancing together.

Elden is survived by his children: Debra Ford of Fairfax, Dennis (Joleen) Nolan of Bonesteel, SD, Darrell Nolan of York, NE, and Dan (Brenda) Nolan of Lynch, NE; 8 grandchildren: Justin (Jordan) Nolan, Leslie (Wayne) Bahr, Kelley Nolan, Paul (Allie) Nolan, Kesha (Justin) Hellbusch, Kody (Shelby) Nolan, Brian (Heather) Ford, Crystal (Eric) Cole; 14 great grandchildren.  His brothers-in-law: Eben Bailey, Earl (Tootie) Bailey, Fred (Marilyn) Bailey, and Don (Gay) Bailey. Sisters-in-law: Ruth (Gary) Lundberg, Leah (Roy) England, and Sherrill Kinzie and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Nola, his parents, and parents-in-law Elvin and Tracy (Janousek) Bailey, and brothers: Gerald, Keith, Clayone (Buzz), and Dale. Brothers-in-law: Marvin Bailey, Richard Bailey, Gayle Bailey; sisters-in-law Mary Ballard, Judy Nolan, Dorothy Ferguson, Elizabeth Hoffman, Pat Nolan, and Eleanor Nolan.

Funeral services for Elden Nolan, age 95, of Fairfax, SD will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Fairfax, SD.  Burial will be in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery of Spencer, NE.  Visitation will 1 hour prior to the service at the Church.