Rapid City - Ronald "Eli" Wayne Eliason, 77, Rapid City and formerly of Belle Fourche, died Sunday, July 7, 2013 at the Department of Veteran Affairs - Fort Meade of natural causes. There will be a private family memorial service held at Black Hills Funeral Home in Sturgis on Friday, July 12, 2013. Inurnment will follow at Pine Slope Cemetery in Belle Fourche. Military Honors will be conducted by the Belle Fourche Veteran's Honor Guard and the South Dakota Army National Guard. Ron was born in Anaconda, MT on August 25th, 1935. He graduated from Anaconda High School. After high school Ron enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on May 4, 1954. While in the Marine Corps, Ron earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Ron went on to earn a business degree at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, MT while playing football. After college Ron also had a tryout with the Chicago Bears. Ron was married to Colleen Drescher on September 15, 1957. They were married 23 years and had four children. Ron grew up on farm/ranch in Montana. He started working in the mining industry after being honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1957. Ron went on to sell heavy machinery and finished his career in the insurance industry. Ron had a passion for sports unparallel to anything. He enjoyed watching his grandkids play sports and was an avid sports card collector. During his life, Ron was involved in several organizations; some of which include being an exalted ruler of the Elks Club, coaching baseball, working with the Republican Party and serving on the Belle Fourche School Board. Ron is survived by his brother Alan & LuAnn Eliason (Butte, MT); his children Jay & Lorna Eliason (Chadron, NE), Scott & Betsy Eliason (Monument, CO), Vicki & Steve Olson (Custer, SD), Todd Eliason & Katie Jungemann (Summerset, SD); and his grandchildren, Elliott, Spencer, Sydney, Taylor, Kyle, Jenna, Mikelle and Cameron. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Sylvia Eliason; his brother, Lyle Eliason and his wife, Colleen Eliason. Memorial donations may be given to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Black Hills, 425 Kansas City Street, Rapid City, SD 57701. The family of Ronald Eliason wishes to thank Holiday Hills Estates, Fort Meade VA, and the Black Hills Funeral Home, Ron's unforgettable smile and warm personality will be missed by all.