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Dennis Craig Ellwein age 66, of Mitchell, SD died Sunday, December 14, 2025 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 4013 North Main Street, Mitchell, SD with interment at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, December 19, 2025 at Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Denny was born on April 29, 1959 in Mitchell, SD to Joseph and Marie (Hauge) Ellwein.  He died December 14, 2025 at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, MN.

Denny grew up in Mitchell, attending Longfellow Elementary, Mitchell Middle School and graduated from Mitchell High School, Class of 1978. He attended Mitchell Vo-Tech where he studied welding. During his school years, Denny worked with family and friends at Doug's Drive Inn and The Barn Restaurant.

Denny married Lori Henderson in Mitchell.  They farmed north of town and later divorced.

Denny worked as an Assembler/Welder at Hendrickson Trailer. It was there he met Brenda Schoenrock and that was the beginning of their wonderful history together.  They were married on August 9, 1996, in one of their favorite places, Las Vegas.  They hit the Jackpot when they said "We Do" and spent the next 29 years together.

Denny and Brenda enjoyed their life together in their Happy Place – their farm on the James River.  Country Toys like trucks, tractors, 4x4s, side x sides and skid loaders were their favorite play things.  Always ready to help out and have a reason to play with their vehicles, they moved a lot of snow, many trees and anything else that needed to be done on the farm or in the "neighborhood".  Maintenance at Resurrection Lutheran Church was a priority and Denny was always happy to help.

Denny was the "Go To" guy for Hayrides, Fireworks, Fishing, Hanging Out in the Treehouse and anything else that made Uncle Denny and Aunt Brenda's farm the place to be.  Two generations of nieces and nephews and many special pups got in on the fun – priceless memories for all involved.

Denny is survived by his wife, Brenda; his three brothers: Douglas, Leonard (Kathy), James, and his sister, Brenda (Louis) Gignac; his brother-in-laws: Mike (Susie) and Mark (Sandy) Schoenrock and sister-in-law, Betty Carver.  Special friends include Dee Kistler, Greg Patton, Eric Seward and Cheryl Rothfuss.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Marie Ellwein and his in-laws, Max and Becky Schoenrock.

Mr. Denny lived his Best Life always taking care of others.  We Love Him Forever.

Well Done Good and Faithful Servant.