Eda “Gina” Lodmel Fonder, age 60, of Harrisburg and formerly of Huron, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by her loved ones. Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Welter Funeral Home in Huron, South Dakota. Visitation, with her family present will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning at the funeral home. 

Gina was born on June 10th 1966 in Caloocan City, Philippines to Francisco and Virginia (De Jose) Java. Gina was one of twelve children and was the second youngest. Growing up was not easy. Her family did not have much money and life was hard. She did not have much for education and was sent to work as a housemaid. This was where she met Randy Lodmel in 1986. Randy was serving in the Marines at that time and was stationed in the Philippines. Their relationship grew and on February 28th 1989 they were married in Quezon City, Philippines. She came to America at 23 years old, pregnant and eager to start a new life in a country far from the one she knew. She arrived on September 10th 1989 and delivered her son Sam on October 1st. She soon became pregnant and was surprised with her daughter Amanda in October of 1990. During this time her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law became important sources of love, guidance, and support. Linda and Minnie Lodmel helped teach her how to speak English, read and write, drive a car, and everything in between—things that gave her independence and confidence to build a life for herself and her family. She never forgot what they did for her. Randy’s family became her family and their kindness was a gift she treasured.

Randy unexpectedly passed away in February 1995. She was then remarried to Stuart Fonder in Huron, SD. Gina worked as a housekeeper for many years and then at Dakota Pork and LSI. Over the years, Gina kept in close contact with many friends and coworkers.

Gina was known for her funny, wild, and outspoken personality. She had a potty mouth and had absolutely no problem dropping an F-bomb when the moment called for it. She was never afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. She could make you laugh when you least expected it and there was never a dull moment when she was around. She enjoyed many hobbies including: gardening, cooking Filipino dishes, watching television, singing karaoke, and hanging out with her friends and family.

Life would continue to bring Gina challenges particularly through the many health battles she faced over the years; including a cancer diagnosis in July 2023. She faced her battle with cancer with remarkable strength and courage. Even during difficult times, she continued to find joy in her family and the people she loved. But anyone who knew her knew that she was a fighter. She was strong, stubborn, resilient, and determined. She endured more than most people ever knew and kept going. She showed her family what it meant to keep fighting, even when life was hard. Even while sick; Gina never lost her sense of humor and was always making a smart comment or a funny face.

She enjoyed the last 8 years of life with her fiancé Craig Leibrich in Harrisburg. Craig was a truck driver for many years and Gina got to enjoy visiting many cities across the United States. He unfortunately passed away on July 31st 2026. His death was heartbreaking and devastating for Gina but gave her more reason to continue on.

Of all the roles she held in life, being a grandma was her greatest joy and what she was most proud of. Her grandchildren Hudson and Ahrianna brought a special light into her life and she loved them more than words could ever express. They had a way of making her laugh when she needed it most, and in return; she gave them a lifetime of love, memories, and moments they will carry forever. When she was tired or hurting; her grandchildren gave her a reason to keep fighting.

She fought for her life with every ounce of strength she had. Giving up was never in her nature. Even through the pain, the countless hospital stays, the setbacks, the continuing health struggles—she endured, she held tightly to her will to live. She fought because she loved her family, because she wanted more time with her children and grandchildren, and because she simply was not ready to leave them. She leaves this world not as someone who gave up, but as someone who fought until she could fight no more. Her strength, her stubbornness, her laughter, and her love will live on in the people she fought so hard to stay with. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Gina is survived by her two children, Sam Lodmel and Amanda (Devan) Nelson; her grandchildren, Hudson and Ahrianna. She is also survived by her siblings, Francisco Jr.; Fele; Wilfredo; William; Erly; Sandy; Zaldy; Elna; Arnel and Armel. She is also survived by Randy’s family—her mother- and father-in-law, Floyd and Linda Lodmel; sisters-in-law, Lori (Jamie) Eggleston; Melissa Heinen; Rita (Jimmy) Lanners; and brother-in-law, Everett (Debbie) Lodmel. As well as many other extended family members in the United States and in the Philippines.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia; father, Francisco; sister, Else; husband, Randy; grandparents-in-law, Minnie and Rasmus Lodmel; brother-in-law, Tom Baszler; and fiancé, Craig.

Per Gina’s request, a celebration of life party will be held at a later date, and guests will be notified of details by Gina’s daughter, Amanda.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations and condolences be sent to Amanda Nelson PO Box 54 Harrisburg, SD 57032-0054.