Eldon Dean Gierhan

Eldon Dean Gierhan, 86, passed away on June 19, 2022, at the Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo. He was born on January 7, 1936, in Gresham, Nebraska to Otto & Esther (Schuknecht) Gierhan.

He graduated Valedictorian from Gresham High School in 1953, graduated with honors from Kearney College in 1957, and achieved a master’s degree in Business and Education. Eldon taught high school and coached football, basketball, and track. He married Dorean Mindrup on June 28, 1958. The couple relocated to La Junta, where Eldon taught business courses at Otero Jr. College, later serving as the Dean of Business.

In 1975, Eldon left the education field and became a restaurateur, purchasing the Hickory House Restaurant. He later purchased Scaff Brothers, which he managed for a number of years. Eldon and Dorean have been prolific servants and philanthropists in the La Junta community for many years, supporting the Inspiration Field project, the Arkansas Valley Hospice, and many other causes. The couple was honored with La Junta’s Annual Community Service Award in 2016, and the Sunshine Award in 2010. Eldon attended the First Church of God and Cowboy Church in La Junta.

He is survived by his wife, Dorean of the La Junta home; children, Michelle (Roy) Adams of Cartersville, GA; Tom (Shelley) Gierhan of Livingston, MT; grandchildren, Ciarra, Cassia and Destiny Adams; Joshua Gierhan; sisters & brother-in-law’s, Lynette Gierhan, Nancy Komes, Sandy (Ev) Sanders, Emilie (Clifford) Mindrup; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Marvin and Wilmer “Willie” Gierhan and sister, Rogene Kohtz.

A Memorial service will be Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene in La Junta with Pastor Gail Allen of the Valley Cowboy Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Ark Valley Hospice or Inspiration Field direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.