After a life of love and quiet grace, John Eli, 55, of Tea, SD, SD has passed.
Behind every name is a life, and behind every life are the people who loved it.
John entered this world in 1970 — the start of a journey that would span 55 years.
John spent his working life as ['cook in the Viborg bar in his younger years'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
The work of a parent is rarely finished — it lives on in the children he loved.
John Eli, 55 of Tea, passed away on August 13, 2025 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, August 24, 2025 at the Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Chapel, Viborg. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.John Eli died August 13, 2025 at the Avera McKennan Hospital at the age of 55 after a long battle with diabetes and renal failure.John was born August 12, 1970 in Viborg, SD to James and Charlotte Eli. He was the oldest of three. In his teens he moved to Council Bluffs, IA and later moved back for family and to start his own. He graduated from high school in 1989. John worked as a cook in the Viborg bar in his younger years.John enjoyed many different activities. He like to go hunting, fishing, and playing video games with his daughter, nieces and nephews. John was living in an apartment in Sioux Falls where he and his dog, Jax, spent time together. He adored spending time with his family, and especially getting to know his granddaughter.John will be missed. He is survived by his daughter Monica (Travis) Vanden Top; granddaughter Raelynn; brother Scott Eli and his children Josie, Nick, Ethan, and Layci; sister Dawn Eli; and life ling friend Bob Goodman. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Charlotte Eli.
