Eldon (Smiley) Guericke: 1945-2020

Eldon “Smiley” Arnold Guericke, 75, was born on March 16, 1945 in Scotland, S.D.

Eldon was the youngest of seven children to Arthur and Alice (Werning) Guericke. At two years old he lost his oldest sibling in a tragic car accident. This really took a toll on his parents’ lives, especially his adoring mom who had health issues, and passed away just before his ninth birthday.

He attended Highland District 78 country school. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Clayton, S.D. He started high school in Parkston, S.D. He achieved his GED. He spent time in the National Guard.

He owned and operated Sioux Falls Taxi Service in Sioux Falls, S.D. for many years. He worked until his death on Sunday, Aug. 9 in an automobile accident. He was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Clayton.

He is survived by sisters Alice Holzwarth, Parker, S.D. and Lena Winter, Mitchell, S.D.; brother Gilbert (Carol) Guericke, Las Vegas, Nevada; sister-inlaw Arlene Guericke, Mitchell; 17 nephews and nieces; many cousins, including special cousins Donald and Charlotte Guericke, Parkston.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Alice Guericke, step-mother Justina Hoffman Guericke, two brothers William Guericke and Arthur Guericke, sister Alma Preszler, three brother-in-laws John Holzwarth, Roland Preszler, and Maynard Winter.

Private memorial services are pending due to COVID-19. Burial in St. Peter’s Lutheran Cemetery in rural Clayton, SD.