Vernon Glenn Ellestad

Vernon Glenn Ellestad was born in Backus, MN June 21, 1919 to Arnold Edward and Helen R. (Larreau) Ellestad. His childhood was spent in a tight knit extended family, with numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. The Northern Minnesota environment was harsh, the nation was in a depression and Vern‘s father was ill through much of childhood. He learned to be self-reliant and resilient. His mother was a teacher, and much of his education came at her knee.

In 1940 he met a lovely young lady seven years his junior, Evelyn Carlson. When Vern asked her for a date, she said she was too young, but would spend her eighteenth birthday with him if he was still interested. (Vern and Evie were each born on June 21, seven years apart.) The rest, as they say, is history.

He married Evelyn June Carlson on May 5, 1945, and they began their 65 year adventure as husband and wife. Larry Allen was born in 1946, Tom Arnold in 1948, Alice Louise in 1953, all in Northern Minnesota. During this time Vern supported his family as a farmer and lumberman.

In 1954 Vern and Evie answered adventures’ call and moved to Prineville, Ore., where Evie’s parents had recently moved. The following year they moved to Moses Lake, WA. He worked at Dietzen’s Thriftway as an apprentice meat cutter. Roger Neil was welcomed to the family in 1957. Vern became a Journeyman meat cutter and worked in that trade until 1961, when he opened his own business, Vern’s Meats, on North Broadway in Moses Lake. Vern’s Meats quickly evolved into a “family business” as Larry and Tom joined Vern and Evie, (and Alice and Roger in later years) in forming a business known for its integrity. In 1970 Vern’s Moses Lake Meats was purchased, and forty years later still bears his name.

Vern worked hard and played hard. From his childhood in Minnesota, through treks in Eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon, until his last trip in the autumn of 2009, he loved the sport of hunting. His father, brother, cousins, sons, nephews, grandsons, and countless friends bonded with him during these times shared in the great outdoors. Fishing, especially in Minnesota (Land of a Thousand Lakes) was a favorite pastime. Vern and Evie took each of their grandchildren on a vacation to Minnesota, and fishing was always part of the fun. Vern loved to play cards, argue about politics, take drives in the mountains, dance with Evie, argue about politics, entertain friends and family, and finally, argue about politics. His love for dancing never faded. From dancing in Minnesota ( and winning Jitterbug competitions) and throughout their 65 years together, to finally dancing in his wheelchair, or with Evie pulling him to his feet to dance in the nursing home, he loved to dance! Vern was raised Lutheran, and the church was a vital part of his life. At his death he clung to the Love of God and salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Helen Ellestad, John and Alice Carlson, his grandson Arnold Edward Fritz, niece, Linda Moore, and her children Aaron and Mallory, his brother-in-laws Alvin Carlson, Allen Carlson and Gene Carlson.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years Evelyn Ellestad, children: Larry Ellestad and wife Sue, Tom Ellestad and wife Marla, Alice Fritz and Roger Ellestad. Grandchildren Renee Fritz Hopkins, Nyla Fritz, Lenea Fritz and Jeff Panagos, Sundae Ellestad Delgado and Frank Delgado, Glen Ellestad, Mark Ellestad and his wife Alicia Ellestad, Samantha Ellestad, Nicole Edmonson. Great grandchildren, Brandon Delgado, Noah Delgado, Ethan Delgado, Addison Delgado, Claire Evelyn Cunningham, Jonah Panagos, Honor Ellestad and Hayden Etten; His Brother and Sister-in-law Gordon and Marjorie Ellestad, Sister and brother-in-law, Livona and Charles Mahaney, Olen and Vivian Jamison, Roy and Iris Carlson, Barbara Carlson; many cousins, nieces and nephews and friends. He will be missed and his memory treasured by all who knew him.

Services will be held at New Beginnings Christian Center, 318 W. Northshore Dr., Moses Lake, WA with Harold Hochstatter officiating. Viewing will be from 2 – 2:45 p.m. with funeral services beginning at 3 p.m. A dinner will immediately follow the services.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center, 1555 S. Pilgrim St., Moses Lake, WA 98837.

Please visit www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com to leave a note or message for Vernon’s family and sign our online guest book.

Vernon’s family has asked Carver Family Funeral Home, Moses Lake to care for arrangements.