Earl Ronald Ellestad, 75, of Pillager, died April 21, 2010, at St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud.

Funeral services were held April 26, at Motley Free Methodist Church. Burial was in the Wildwood Cemetery in Pillager.

Arrangements were with the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.

Earl was born Aug. 6, 1934, in Pine River, to Raymond and Lydia (Tshudi) Ellestad. He grew up in the area graduating from Backus High School in 1953. After high school, Earl served in the U.S. Army. In 1963, he married Marie Knapper. He worked for Potlach for 28 years, retiring in 1994. Earl was a member of the Pillager American Legion, the Crow Wing County Black Powder Club and a former member of the Pillager Lions.

He attended the Assembly

of God in Pillager and the Motley Free Methodist churches. He enjoyed his hobby farm, hunting, fishing and going to auctions.

Earl is survived by his wife, three daughters, Elaine (Doug) DeGeest of Motley; Patti (Todd) Jenkins; Kathy (Brandon) Dobson both of Pillager; six grandchildren; and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two granddaughters.

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