Francis Ellston

A memorial service for Francis Ellston was held at 11:15 a.m., on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, SD. A private interment was held in the South Dakota State Veterans' Cemetery. George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory was in charge of arrangements. Dean “Peko” Ellston was born on August 2, 1936 in Rosebud, SD, to Arthur and Lyda (Helsing) Ellston. He attended grade school at McKenzie grade school near Dallas, SD, and high school in Dallas until the school burned down. Dean eventually received his GED while serving in the US Army.

He began working around age 12, building fences for neighbors, eventually operating heavy equipment building roads and on the construction of the Oahe dam at Pierre, SD. Soon after he was drafted into the US Army. Dean spent 16 months in Korea until he was honorably discharged. He met Carol Gall and they were united in marriage June 7, 1960 in Warrenton, NC. After marriage, the couple settled in Sioux Falls where he began a 40 year career as a truck driver.

Dean enjoyed the outdoors and went on many memorable deer, elk and buffalo hunts. He participated in 37 trail rides on his horse “Gunner”. Over the years, there were many camping and fishing adventures with family and friends. He also loved spending time at his ranch in Meade County, SD. Dean was a member of the First United Methodist Church, SAGES group, and the American Legion.

Francis “Dean” Ellston, age 88, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Royal C. Johnson Veterans’ Memorial Hospital in Sioux Falls.

He is survived by his wife Carol, of 64 years; son David; sister Doris Fryda; grandchildren Jessica “Crumrine” Rezac and Austin Crumrine; one great-grandson; nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Arthur Jr., Verne, and Chuck; sisters: Pat Determan, Gladys Allen, and Bethene Schmidt; and four brothers-in-law.