Mabel Ellestad

Mabel Lorraine Ellestad, joined hands once again with John, her loving husband of 53 years on January 29, 2014.

Mabel was born December 21, 1928 in Sisseton, South Dakota to Clarence and Francis Stavig. She was one of ten children, survived by one brother, Lloyd Stavig of Watertown, South Dakota.

Mabel married John Duane Ellestad in Webster, South Dakota on December 16th 1947. To this union, six children were born. John (Lori) Ellestad of Proctor, MN, Gary (Susan) Ellestad of Blaine, MN, Judy (Don) Ness of Two Harbors, MN, Larry (Judy) Ellestad of Prior Lake, MN, Randy (Deanna) Ellestad of Knife River,MN, and Julie (Chris) Hertig of Bedford, VA.

She was deeply loved by 13 Grand Children, 12 Great Grand Children and many nieces and nephews.

Mabel loved to cook, can and bake. She was well known for her cinnamon rolls, homemade bread, and potato salad.

Throughout her life she was president of the Lake Superior Antique Bottle Club, Senior Regent of the Women of the Moose, a member of Knife River Lutheran Church, and longtime resident of Knife River.

Mabel worked as a caregiver for several families in the area, and was President of the resident council at Ecumen Scenic Shores Care Center and was also elected Valentine Queen in 2012.

Mabel missed her calling as a comedian but was well known for her ability to hear a joke, retell it, and take credit for it. She loved playing "31" and 6,5,4, and reaping her winnings from friends and loved ones. She also enjoyed traveling with Harbor Mates on their gambling excursions. Mabel also had an extensive library of cookbooks and could be found on most days sitting in her chair at the kitchen table paging through one of them while throwing scraps out the window to her pet seagulls.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be sent to Knife River Lutheran Church.

A celebration of Mabel's life will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Knife River Lutheran church at 11:00 a.m.