Fern Ellestad
Surrounded by her family, Fern Brenna Ellestad, 85, of Williston, N.D., passed away Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 1, 2017, at her home in Williston.
Fern was born on the family farm near Sanish, N.D. on December 11, 1931, to Beatrice (Graue) and Eldred Brenna. She was raised on the family farm and was educated in a one room country school. She graduated from Sanish High School in 1949.
She married Arnold Ellestad at her parent’s farm on her 18th birthday, December 11, 1949. They lived on the Ellestad family farm a short time before Arnold went into the oil field. Fern was a stay at home mom until her children were grown after which she was an ET for Social Services in Williston and sold real estate in Arizona. When Arnold retired they worked together remodeling old houses until Arnold was no longer able to.
Fern is survived by her children, son, Ray Ellestad and his wife, Carol of Star, Idaho; daughter, June Ellestad and her husband, Lloyd Holland of Missoula, Mont.; daughter, Betty Ellestad and her husband, Jim Agre of Williston, N.D.; and son, Dan Klevenberg of Williston, N.D.; twelve grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Delores Schneider, Eleanor (Jerry) Washburn, and Colleen Sherven; two brothers, Clayton (Ollie) Brenna and Owen (Rose) Brenna; one brother-in-law, Richard (Ilean) Ellestad and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, her parents, four sisters, Arline, Joan, Evelyn and Elaine, and many brother and sisters-in-law. She missed them.
In lieu of flower donations may be given to the Salvation Army (15 Main St, Williston, N.D. 58801) or to CHI Hospice (1301 15th Ave West, Williston, N.D. 58801)
Her funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Williston. Rev. Morris Kirchhof officiated. Interment in Good Hope Cemetery in Keene, N.D. will follow the service.
Friends may call at Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 3, from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and for the hour preceding the service at the church on Saturday.
Friends may visit www.eversoncoughlin.com to share remembrances of Fern or leave condolences for her family.
The Everson Coughlin Funeral Home of Williston is caring for the family.