Dr. Elden Rand

LT COL Elden Rand (Ret), MD, FACC, FACP, FASE, FASNC, FSCCT

The Service will be broadcasted here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbMhLMRHmkM

Dr. Elden Rand, 53 of Sioux Falls, passed away on September 1, 2023 at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Sunnycrest United Methodist Church, Sioux Falls. Burial with Military Honors will be at 2:00 PM At the Hurley City Cemetery, Hurley. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 PM Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at the church. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home.

Elden would say he was born at a very young age on December 30, 1969 to Ivan and Evelyn (Winkel) Rand. The family was later blessed with his sister Susan and brother Ryan. The family lived on a farm in rural Colton, SD. A left-handed musical genius, he graduated Tri-Valley High School in 1988.

The distinct clanging of the cowbell called Elden to South Dakota State University in Brookings. (Go Jacks!) He joined the Pride of the Dakotas marching band’s saxophone section. He enthusiastically marched with the Pride for 7 years. With a deep love for learning, while at SDSU Elden earned a bachelor’s degree in both psychology and chemistry, as well as a master’s degree in biology. Elden’s desire to become a physician eventually led him to the not-to-be-mentioned state school to the south. Excellent medical school, but a Jackrabbit cannot just become a Coyote.

We can not forget to mention that in 1992 Elden met the love of his life and his life partner. Elden and Wendy were married in June of 1995 while he was still in grad school. Their love weathered moves, medical school, residency, fellowship, 2 deployments – and was as strong as ever during the cancer journey. The only days more special to Elden than their wedding day, were the births of their precious children.

As a very service focused individual, Elden went into the military right after high school. His patriotism and desire to serve his country led him to serve in the military for 28 years. Elden joined the SD Air National Guard: 114th Fighter Wing (’88-’96), US Army (’97-2011), and finally, the IA Air National Guard 185th Air Refueling Wing (retiring in 2018). He proudly retired as a Lt. Col.

His Army service took him, and his lovely wife Wendy, to Texas – serving at both Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) and Fort Bliss in El Paso at William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC). It was during his time in the Army that he deployed to both Iraq & Afghanistan (4th Infantry Division). While in Iraq, Elden was awarded the Bronze Star for notable achievement.

Elden was proud to serve his country and blessed to return home. Unfortunately, it was this time overseas that exposed him to burn pits that ultimately lead to a cancer diagnosis. Before this untimely fate, he was blessed with a 28-year marriage to his beautiful wife Wendy (Andersen) as well as being a dad to daughters, Maddie and Sophia.

In South Dakota, Dr. Rand took his cardiology skills and fun personality to North Central Heart Institute and Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls. Occasionally donning a bright or festive holiday suit as he listened to and cared for patients.

While extremely intelligent, some would say he was also a bit goofy; essentially a very smart big kid. A strong Christian with a deep love for Christ. A lover of Dad Jokes & witty sayings. Kind, compassionate, funny. Brilliant without arrogance. An amazing sense of humor and heart of gold. He loved all kinds of music and he played guitar & bass in the Sunnycrest UMC praise band for many years. Elden’s passing leaves a big gap in many circles and he will be sorely missed.

Blessed for sharing Elden's life are his beautiful and infinitely patient wife, Wendy and daughters Maddie and Sophia, brother Ryan (Kayla) Rand, brother-in-law Chris Hill, sisters-in-law Cindy (Darren) Matthes & Darcy Andersen, nieces & nephew, Alexis & Alaric Rand, Ren and Kate Matthes all of Sioux Falls. As well as a slew of cousins and friends. Elden never met a stranger. And he truly cared about all those around him.

He's preceded in death by his parents, Ivan & Evelyn Rand, sister Susan Hill, and parents-in-law Lowell & Kitty Andersen.