Eldena Haerer Obituary

Eldena Marie (Foster) Haerer was born October 21, 1929, in Lake Wilson, Minnesota to James F. and Mabel A. (Thompson) Foster. She was the oldest of ten children. Eldena was baptized in the Lutheran Church in Minnesota.

The family moved to South Dakota when Eldena was in 8th grade. She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Midland and graduated from Midland High School in 1948. Eldena was very active in many high school activities.

On May 23, 1948, Eldena married Wayne F. Haerer, and to this union were born four children: Wayne Dean, Jr., Bonna Faye, Darwin Dale, and Marla Marie. They made their home on their ranch, raising cattle and training horses. They later moved to Sturgis after Wayne retired.

She and Wayne were good dancers and enjoyed square dancing. They enjoyed attending rodeos and watching their children participate. They travelled to many states and visited Alaska twice.

In 2019, Eldena and Wayne moved into the Scotchman Living Center in Philip, where she has since resided.

Those left to mourn her passing include four children: Wayne Haerer Jr. and his wife Nancy of Green Valley, AZ, Bonna Fortune and her husband Roger of Quinn, Darwin Haerer and his wife Betty of Wall, and Marla Sherburne and her husband Jim of MN; eight grandchildren: Bryan, Holly, Heather, Cory, Dar, Jr. Mindy, Joshua, and Jennifer; twenty great-grandchildren; Jayden, McKenzy, Wyatt, Wynn, Sage, Ember, Cedar, Latham, Riley, Carter, Chloe, Emmalyn, Deacon, Camden, Hudson, Owen, Addison, Jace, Crew and Talan; five great-great-grandchildren: McCrae, Reiney, Avery, Braxten, and Ryker; brothers James (Cheryl) Foster of Rapid City and Leslie (Vivan) Foster of Dublin, GA; sisters: Bonnie Martin of Philip and Darlene (Amos) Knight of Rushville, NE; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Eldena was preceded in death by her husband Wayne on December 25, 2023; her parents; two grandchildren Marty and Darcy; two great-great-grandsons Brace and Paxton; brother Orville Foster; sisters Fay Reuer, Jesse Mae Brewer, Leola (Henry) Schultz, and Mary Lou (Jerry) Wallner.

Visitation will be one hour preceding the services at the church.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 12, at First Lutheran Church in Wall, with Pastor Christopher McCarthy officiating.

Interment will follow the luncheon at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 133 Wall, SD 57790.

Service Details

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 11:00 a.m.
First Lutheran Church
Wall, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Christopher McCarthy

MUSIC
Rhonda Mettler - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“I’m But A Stranger Here”
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
“Just As I Am, Without One Plea”
USHER
Eli Helms
PALLBEARERS
All of Eldena’s Grandchildren
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 2:30 p.m.
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota

Guest Book

Eldena and Wayne were quite the couple!! Always enjoyed them when they lived in Quinn. I hope you all find comfort in your many memories 💕
~ Don & Susie Cuppy Mitchell SD (6/7/2025)

Our deepest condolences to all of Eldena's family. She was a wonderful neighbor to us when we moved to Quinn. We have fond memories of her and Wayne. Rest in Peace Eldena.
~ Dale & Penny Baumann Bath, SD (6/6/2025)

Sympathy and prayers for Eldena's family and friends.
~ Donna Bodkin Craven Rapid City (6/9/2025)

It was a privilege to care for your loved one. I enjoyed visiting with her about your family and the many jobs she had. She was such a gem of a lady. I send you my sincerest condolences!
~ Carmen, RN Philip (6/8/2025)

My Deepest Sympathy. I will always remember visiting with her. A special lady. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
~ Fawna Geigle Sturgis SD (6/6/2025)

I’m so sorry for your loss. Many memories of your parents, along with mine, square dancing. May God hold all of Eldena’s family in his loving arms and carry you through this difficult time. God Bless her memory.
~ Kitty Mihills Monke Regent, ND (6/7/2025)

Elena always made me feel wonderful especially when we talked about our late husbands. She was married so much longer than I was but we shared the same experience and I will always love her.
~ Trisha Ireland Philip, SD (6/8/2025)

My prayers are with the family Aunt Eldena was a special woman
~ Judy Bosanco Pierre (6/12/2025)