Jon Veen

Jon E. Veen, age 73, of Rapid City, SD, passed away at the University of Minnesota Fairview Medical Center on March 1, 2026, from heart complications.

There will be a celebration of life in honor of Jon on May 9, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Community Center in Revillo, SD. Lunch will be served.

Jon Elmo Veen was born on July 7, 1952, at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Milbank, SD, to Fred and Helen (Seezs) Veen. Growing up on the farm – he could be found milking a cow one-handed while reading a book in the other hand. Jon’s least favorite chore was picking cucumbers for pickles – a story he often told. To say he loved to read was an understatement, it was his passion.

In May of 1970, Jon enlisted in the United States Navy. The day he turned 18, he boarded a plane for boot camp. Jon’s first duty station was in Chicago, where his 30-year military career began. There is also where he met, Sherri, the mother of his children who he loved deeply and was very proud of. Jon’s military service led him to many places: the Persian Gulf, Asia, Israel, Guam, and the Arctic Circle, to name a few. He retired after 30 years from the Navy in 2000, serving his country proudly as Master Chief Hospital Corpsman.

After retirement, Jon moved to Madison, SD, and began working for Head Start. He truly enjoyed the children. Once they learned his middle name, Jon became “Mr. Elmo”. He also connected with family, taking his mom and sister, Sandy, with him as he traveled around the United States. Jon enjoyed the annual buffalo round up – picking up his sister, Ronda, and bringing her out to share the memory. In 2010, he moved to Rapid City, SD, and enjoyed all the Black Hills area had to offer.

Jon is survived by his son, Jon (Monyca) Veen, Jr.; daughter, Melissa (Larry) Hall; step-sons: Alan (Monica) Topcik; and Andrew Topcik; 12 grandchildren; and one grand dog; sisters: Roxie (Dennis) Kralicek, Ronda Veen, and Sandy Kuchta; along with many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind, Teri, the outlaw girlfriend – they loved each other deeply, just not long enough.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Bert.