Deanna Jean Ellestad

MADISON - Deanna Jean Ellestad passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2024. The youngest of five daughters, Deanna was born in Madison on July 6, 1968, to Sylvia Havey and Maurice Ellestad. After graduating from LaFollette High School, she obtained her insurance license and worked for AAA. Deanna also worked at Mr. Robert’s and Wilson’s Bar where she touched the lives of many with her generous spirit and kind heart. She was a loving sister, faithful daughter and loyal friend.

Deanna was a resilient, strong, independent woman. Her fierce work ethic and concern for others drew people to her and will be remembered forever. She was an advocate for those in need and would give you the shirt off her own back. Deanna worked with Meals on Wheels and donated to area food pantries. She made delicious appetizers and food for her coworkers, patrons and the homeless. Deanna stood up for the underprivileged without seeking recognition. Her philosophy was to treat others with respect and kindness, always following the golden rule.

Like St. Francis of Assisi, Deanna loved animals and nature. Pippi was the world to her and she cherished every moment that they shared together. Deanna searched for lost pets, fed the ducks and birds and adored all creatures, great and small. She treasured working outside and planting flowers for all the neighbors to enjoy. She grew sunflowers and vegetables in her little garden, giving away most of what she produced. Being outside made her happy.

Deanna was devoted to her family and cared for her mother during her long illness. Even though she was tired after working long hours, she would prepare meals, sleep overnight and tend to Sylvia because her family was a priority. Deanna loved showering her nieces and nephews with gifts and would surprise them by dressing up as the Easter bunny or Santa’s elf. There was never a dull moment with Aunt DeeDee and her love for family was overwhelming. Her four sisters could count on her for help, support and unconditional love. She was a faithful friend and always ready to help, no matter the time of day nor the circumstance.

Deanna loved going to the Jersey shore, a place she visited often while growing up. She accompanied her mother to the ocean for a final holiday and considered herself a Jersey girl. Deanna loved going to concerts, attending games and spending time with her dear friends and family. People were drawn to her wonderful sense of humor and genuine love for others. She had a candid outlook on life and all that she did came from the heart. We know that she is sharing a good meal in heaven with our sister, Tami, and our mother, Sylvia, her beloved Shorty by her side.

Deanna is survived by her sisters, Cynthia (Thomas Hudkins) Ellestad, Lynn (Tim Keller) Ellestad and Maureen Ellestad; stepfather, Darrell Havey; nieces and nephew, Casey (Derek) Kelley, Callie (Matt) Busse, Holly (Nate) Wilkinson, Anne Hudkins and John Hayter; great-nieces and nephew, Jovie, Leo, Nora and Nola; brother-in-law, Dave Hayter; cousins, Carol Petscavage and Maggie Fernandez; and her precious dog, Pippi. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sylvia Havey; her father, Maurice Ellestad; and her sister, Tami Ellestad.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday. Following the Mass, Deanna will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens. A luncheon at St. Dennis will follow.

Deanna, we will love you forever.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in

peace. Amen.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420