John left this life at home on June 30, after a long struggle with heart disease. John "Jack" or "Chunky" Elwin Edlund was born in Sturgis on August 19, 1950 to Leslie "Swede" and Hazel (Gees) Edlund. He attended elementary school in Spearfish, SD. In 1964 the family moved to Sturgis where he attended high school. In 1968 he enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington where he acquired rheumatic heart disease. He was then medically discharged. He worked for many years for Wakefield Construction. On July 26, 1975, he married Janice Schroeder at the Open Bible Church in Sturgis. He then worked at Sturgis Meat Service for approximately 17 years at which time, he could no longer work. He had two beautiful daughters, Sascha, and Jennifer which were the loves of his life. John never met a stranger, always teasing those he met. He loved spending time with family, and loved having family gatherings at his home. He believed, "the more the merrier". He also loved sports, camping, fishing, teaching his wife and daughters to fish. He played on the softball team called Willie's Bulldogs in 1981. Their team won the State B softball championship. He also coached the softball team called the Doc's Joc's.

John leaves behind his wife of 30 years, Jan, his daughters Sascha and Jennifer, both of Sturgis. His sisters Sharon (Bud) Rank, of Sturgis, Sandy (Bill) Bever, of McKinny, Texas, his brothers Darwin (Dana) of Sturgis, and Duane (Donna), of Rapid City. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews whom he loved.

He was preceded in death by both parents, stepmother, and many other relatives.

Burial with military honors at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Northern Hills.