Willys T. Ellwein

Willys T. Ellwein, age 95, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2013, in Eventide Senior Living, Moorhead, MN. Willys was born May 5, 1918, on the family farm near Flandreau, SD, to William and Belle Thorson. She attended school in Egan, SD, and later continued her education at Nettelton Business School in Sioux Falls, SD. In 1943, she married Harold Ellwein shortly before he was shipped overseas to fight in the South Pacific in World War II. After the war they made their home in Sioux Falls where they raised their four children. Over the years, Willys worked in bookkeeping and accounting. After Harold’s passing and her retirement, she moved to Rapid City, SD, until 2003 and then relocated to Moorhead. She enjoyed sewing, playing the piano, playing Bridge, camping, crossword puzzles and especially reading.

Willys is survived by her daughter, Janet Sater of Moorhead; sons, Jay Ellwein of Louisville, CO, Marc Tammy Ellwein of Sioux Falls, SD; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and brother, Vernon Thorson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; son, Lee; parents, William and Belle; and brother, Basil Thorson.

The family will hold a committal service for Willys at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD, at a later date.