Gordon Ellestad

Gordon “Buster” Ellestad, 88, of Two Harbors has been called to heaven to be reunited with his wife, Lila, the love of his life for 56 plus years, who he has missed deeply since her passing in 2004.  He is now at peace beside her and the Lord.

He was born March 1, 1927 to Fred and Mable (Hardina) Ellestad in Britton, South Dakota, where he grew up on a farm.  He enlisted in the Navy, and served on an aircraft carrier during WWII, returning home at the war’s end.  He married Lila Oland September 8, 1947 in Britton.  They moved their family to Two Harbors in 1957.  Gordy worked as a maintenance mechanic at Reserve Mining until his retirement in 1986.  He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and a lifetime member of both the American Legion, and the Sailors & Airmen Association.  Gordy enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, walking, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren.

Gordy is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lila; brothers, John and Roger; and sister, Marilyn.

He is survived by a son, Jim (Merry) of South Mills, North Carolina; daughters, Dianna (Duane) Roe of Two Harbors and Ardell “Chi Chi” (Frank) Ferguson of Thunder Bay, Ontario; brothers, Derwood (Ethel) of Havana, North Dakota, Maynard of Britton, South Dakota, Royce of Two Harbors, and Don (Cathie) of Arvada, Colorado; sisters, Norma (Gardner) Brubakken of Two Harbors, and Joyce (Dick) Lakang of Fridley, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; and 7 great great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM Service on Monday, December 21, 2015 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Two Harbors. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery.