Roger Ellestad Jr.

Roger A. Ellestad Jr., age 55, of New Effington, SD, passed away on November 8, 2020, at Tekakwtiha Living Center in Sisseton, SD.

Private family services will be held at Zion Norwegian Lutheran Cemetery, Hillhead, SD. Urn bearers will be: Gordie Biel, Thor Biel, and Seth Biel. Honorary bearers will be his family and friends.

Roger Allen Ellestad Jr. was born on June 28, 1965, in Mitchell, SD.  He was the son of Roger Allen and Shirley (Oland) Ellestad. He spent his early years living on a farm near Veblen, SD.  He moved with his family to New Effington, SD, when he was in the third grade. In 1982, Roger was involved in a car accident which left him dependent on health care centers to care for him.

Roger was always happy and his infectious smile would light up a room.  His nephew wrote, “Uncle Roger, we think about you always, we talk about you still.  You have never been forgotten, and you NEVER will.  We hold you close within our hearts, and there you will remain.  To walk and guide us through our lives, until we meet again.”

Roger is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Gordie Biel of Rosholt, SD; nephews: Thor and Seth Biel; great-nephew, Drew Biel; and great-niece, Olive Biel.  Roger was preceded in death by his parents: Roger and Shirley Ellestad.