Dennis Andrew Ellestad was born February 2, 1941, to Ethel (Keen) Ellestad and Tyrell K Ellestad, in Britton, SD, where he was raised on the Ellestad family farm. He was baptized and confirmed in the First Lutheran Church. Dennis graduated from Pleasant Valley No. 1 country school, in 1955. Dennis graduated from Britton High School in 1959. He then earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education, from Northern State College, Aberdeen, SD. In 1974, Dennis earned his Master of Arts Degree in Education, from the Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.

Dennis Ellestad taught Special Education at Brinley, Gibson and Garside Middle Schools, in the Clark County Public School District for 29 years. He also wrote the Retirement Program for the Clark County Public School District. Mr. Ellestad was a State Delegate for the Retired Public Employees of Nevada and received special recognition awards in appreciation for his dedication to RPEN, and for his ambitious recruitment of new members.

Dennis Ellestad also carried a Nevada Realtors license for 38 years and was awarded Sales Leader of the Month and received awards for the “Most sales through multiple listing service for September 1983”.

Dennis was known for his quick wit, great sense of humor, loyalty, honesty, dependability, generosity, kindness, compassion, integrity, and his great contributions in the field of education. He maintained life-long friendships and enjoyed getting together with his many friends, especially when returning to his hometown. He also enjoyed organizing the BHS 1959 class reunions.

Dennis passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024 at his home in Las Vegas at the age of 83.

Survivors include Dennis’s brother and his wife and their family, Tyrell and Mary Ellestad, Andover, MN; Dennis’s sisters: DeAnna Ellestad, Rapid City, S D, and Shelly Ellestad Swanson, Henderson, NV; and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents, Ethel and TK Ellestad; his sister, Twyla and her husband, Jack Niesen; and nephew, Kirk Niesen.

2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com