John C. Elving

May 18, 1942 - November 22, 2018

John C. Elving, 76, of Summerset, died Thursday, November 22, 2018 at the Minneapolis V.A. Hospital.

John was born on May 18, 1942 in Norfolk NE to Pastor J. Melvin and Violet (Carlson) Elving. He spent his first fifteen years in Nebraska until his family made their home base in Springfield OR during his father’s ministry years. John earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Lindfield College in Oregon following his stint in the Army. He was honorably discharged in 1969.

John married Barbara Kerr Chaffin, of New Castle PA, in Newark CA on May 25, 1991 after a two-year, long distance relationship following a chance meeting at a music and worship conference. After residing in Sacramento CA for a number of years, and working in music ministry, they moved to Rapid City in 2001.

John’s passion, besides Barbara, was music. He served as music minister at various churches in the Black Hills, and most recently as worship coordinator at the United Methodist Church in Spearfish, at the time of his death. John sang Bass and served many positions in the Shrine of Democracy Chorus chapter, including assistant director, and District President for the Rocky Mountain District, Barbershop Harmony Society of America. An accomplished handbell ringer, he was a member of Bells of the Hills along with his wife.

John was known to be upbeat and dedicated with a unique sense of humor. Some would call it “bent”.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Kerr Elving, Summerset, sons; Quay T. Elving, Sacramento CA, E. Glenn (Neena) Chaffin, Guilford VT, A. Scot (Jennifer) Elving, Rhiad, Saudi Arabia and John L. “Jeff” Elving, Summerset, daughter Shannie May Elving, Sacramento CA, ten grandchildren, three sisters; Phyllis Elving, Oakland CA, Beverly Broaddus, Redmond OR, and Cheryl (Thom) Armstrong, Claremont CA.

John was preceded in death by his parents and parents in law.