Steven Ellsworth

     CLICK HERE TO WATCH FUNERAL SERVICE

     Steven Ellsworth, age 78 of Rock Rapids, Iowa passed away Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

     A funeral service will take place 10:30 AM, Saturday November 30th at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, IA.  Burial will take place at 1:30 PM at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne, Minnesota.

     Visitation will be Friday, November 29th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, IA.

     Steven Earl Ellsworth was born on March 12, 1946 in Luverne, Minnesota to Earl William Ellsworth and Alma Josephine (Aanenson) Ellsworth. Steve and his family moved rather often as a child. He attended schools in Jasper and Luverne, graduating from Luverne High School in 1964. He played football and basketball on some outstanding Cardinals teams.

     Steve attended Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa on a football scholarship. He was the Most Valuable Player for the NWC team in 1966. Steve was an all-conference offensive guard in the Tri-State Conference in 1968. He graduated from NWC in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

     Steve met the love of his life, Jeanne, in their church choir when he was in 8th grade and she was in 7th grade. Steve married Jeanne Viland on October 5, 1968. Steve and Jeanne had a daughter, Peggy Jo, in 1969 and a son, Jason Steven, in 1972. 

     Steve was a teacher at Central Lyon for 36 years from 1969-2005. He taught 6th grade Science, English, and Spelling. Steve was a favorite teacher to many students. He coached football and track at the middle school level for 25 years. His teams won most of their football games and his track teams had a trophy case full of trophies. He was a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Education in 1990. Steve received the Don Taft Award for junior high coaching in the state of Iowa in 1993. Steve was inducted into the Central Lyon Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.

     Steve’s family was the most important part of his life! He truly loved them with all his heart. Steve cherished all the wonderful times and all the trips taken together. Steve was also a friend to everyone who knew him. His friends became lifelong friends, which is a true testament to the kind of person that he was.

     Steve also loved fishing, mostly for walleyes. He especially enjoyed fishing trips to Lac Seul in western Ontario, Canada, where he went annually for almost 30 years. He and his son, Jason, logged many, many hours on the water fishing together over the years. They fished along with lots of great fishing buddies. Steve enjoyed golfing and he even had two holes in one! He played lots of pinochle, too. Steve appreciated several trips to Florida, Texas, and Arizona during the winter months. He loved watching his children and grandsons grow up. Steve faithfully attended their school and sporting events, and he witnessed many of their wonderful accomplishments. 

     Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Jeanne Ellsworth of Rock Rapids, IA; daughter, Peggy (John) Metzger of Rock Rapids, IA; son, Jason (Tonya Muller) Ellsworth of Brandon, SD; grandsons, Andrew (Tayler) Metzger of Omaha, NE, Ryan (Anna) Metzger of Des Moines, IA, and Carter Ellsworth of Brookings, SD; sister, Becky Arp of Sioux Falls, SD; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Alma Ellsworth; brother-in-law, Jerry Arp; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Ruby Viland; and brothers-in-law, Rodney Viland and Jim Viland.            

Blessed be the memory of Steven Earl Ellsworth.