Elwin (John) Lovell

Elwin (John) Lovell, 76 of South Sioux City passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at his residence. Services will be 2 P.M. Saturday at Hope Lutheran Church with the Rev. Randall Knuth officiating. Burial with military graveside services will be in the Dakota City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 P.M. Friday at the church with a prayer service at 7 P.M. with the Rev. Donald Winterrowd officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Becker – Hunt Funeral Home. Elwin (John) Lovell was born in the shadow of the Turtle Butte and raised among the meadowlarks. He l grew up near Colome and Wewela, SD on the land his grandparents homesteaded. As a teen, he transferred from Smithland, IA to live in the Colome High School dormitory each fall in order to play football for the Cowboys. He was an all-state back in 1953 and went to college at the University of South Dakota after a 2 year stint in the Army. He received a BS degree from USD and a MA from Wayne State College. He taught and coached numerous sports in South Sioux City from 1960-1996, receiving a 25 year coaching award and Teacher of the Year in this span. John had an encyclopedic memory of names and locations of past students and acquaintances, which made him a superb story teller. He was a member of the PTA, VFW, and American Legion in South Sioux City. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and had the greatest catch and trip of his life when he married Dona Dean Hagerdon. He loved and protected his kids and grandkids with all his heart. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dona Dean (Hagerdon) Lovell. Sons Jerry (Shelly) of Bellevue, NE and Jack of Altoona, IA. Daughter Amy Lovell of Portland, OR. Grandchildren Samantha and Trevor Lovell. Brother Skip (Helen) Lovell of Hot Springs, AR. Sisters Marlene Lovell (Cal Kemp) of Green Valley, AZ. Kay (Don) Biggerstaff of Mena, AR. Gae (Jim) McDonald of Mena, AR. Numerous friends and former players. Preceded in death by parents Charles C. and Leona (Weldin) Lovell and brother Buzz (Anneta) Lovell. In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to the family.