Wayne Ellingson, 50
Wayne Jerry Ellingson, 50, of Sioux Falls, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2025.
Funeral services are planned for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 at the Bible Baptist Church, 2023 20th St. South in Brookings with Pastor Mike Forsberg officiating. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 at the Bible Baptist Church in Brookings. Pianist will be Elaine Pegors.
Burial will be in the Lake Preston City Cemetery on Oct. 28 in Lake Preston.
Wayne Jerry Ellingson was born on Nov. 8, 1974, in De Smet, S.D., the youngest of three children born to Jerry and Betty Ellingson. He grew up on the family farm east of Lake Preston and graduated from Lake Preston High School in 1993, proudly sporting Diver Blue and Gold and making his mark on the basketball court and the track. One of his favorite memories was sinking a 3-point buzzer-beater to win the Holiday Classic by one point. He was also a standout hurdler, qualifying for the state track meet several times.
In 1999, Wayne married Bobbi Jill Janssen, and together they welcomed three beautiful daughters – Lexi, Kazi, and Kenli. His girls were truly the center of his world. He often joked, “You can’t scare me. I have three daughters,” but everyone knew behind that humor was endless pride and love. He adored being their dad.
Wayne’s love for the outdoors ran deep. Whether hunting deer in the crisp winter air or casting a line on a quiet lake, he found peace and joy in nature. Some of his best memories were made alongside his dad and daughter, Kazi, on hunting trips. When he wasn’t outside, Wayne could be found diving into local history. He had a passion for genealogy, family stories, and the rich past of Lake Preston and Kingsbury County. His
volunteer work at the Lake Preston Museum was one of the many ways he gave back to his community.
Professionally, Wayne dedicated much of his life to serving others through his work in the military and law enforcement. In recent years, he brought his sharp instincts and integrity to his role in fraud investigation. No matter the uniform or office, Wayne’s sense of duty and humor went hand in hand.
Wayne inherited his mother’s knack for practical jokes, keeping everyone on their toes. Whether it was a harmless prank or a well-timed quip, no one was safe, and laughter always followed. His ability to make people smile was one of his greatest gifts.
Wayne is survived by his beloved daughters, Lexi Ellingson, Sioux Falls, Kazi Ellingson and Kenli Ellingson, both of Brandon; his energetic French bulldog, Mabel; his parents, Jerry and Betty Ellingson, Lake Preston; and his sisters, Lisa (Mark) Cleveland of Lake Preston and Bonnie (Gary) Harvison of Brandon. He will also be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives he touched with his humor and heart.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, several aunts and uncles, his cousin Tammy Foster, and his niece Kayla Cleveland.
Wayne’s laughter, kindness, and unwavering love for those around him will not be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund for Wayne’s three girls has been set up at First Interstate Bank, PO Box 135, Brandon, SD 57005 (in care of Kenli Ellingson).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Crawford-Osthus/Johnson-Henry Funeral Chapel of Arlington, Lake Preston and Oldham.
