Donald Dean Elverud passed away at the age of 89, on October 21, 2025 at Pipestone County Hospice.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Flandreau, SD. The family will be present for visitation from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a prayer service beginning at 4:00 PM on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau, SD.
Donald Dean Elverud came into this world December 28, 1935. Born on his parent’s anniversary, he was the second of nine children born to Morris and Thornella (Babe) Alexander Elverud. Dad always said they had enough for a baseball team.
Raised on farms in the Volga/Aurora area, Don learned the value of hard work at a very young age, working on the family farm and for the neighbors. On one occasion when it came time to pay him, a neighbor said, “I’m going to pay him like a man because he worked like a man.”
Don attended country school and graduated from Brookings High School, where he was on the state championship football team. He was active in 4-H and FFA. After graduation Don worked at an equipment dealership, delivered bread for Pan-O-Gold, then a route salesman for Terrace Park Dairy, where he made many friends and acquaintances. He and his wife Dolores bought their farm on the east edge of Flandreau in 1963, where they farmed side by side until 2021, when they moved to town. In the early years of farming, Dad worked at the Flandreau Indian School as a night dorm guard to help make ends meet. After the dairy cows were sold, he worked for Elverud Construction and drove school bus, where he impacted many young people with a smile and a high five. Dad always said he had to retire three times to make it stick.
From a young age, Dad developed his love of hunting and fishing. He passed this love onto his kids, grandkids and great grandkids, enjoying and creating countless memories. They enjoyed four wheeling trips to Alaska, Utah, The Black Hills, Mexico and Arizona. The stories of adventures and trips will be told for generations.
Dad loved to tell stories of roller skating and old-time dances. It is at one of these dances where he met the love of his life, Dolores Burggraff. They were married September 4, 1958. They welcomed five children to their marriage: Deb (Dave) Feske, Dean (Lorri) Elverud, Dennis (Renita) Elverud all of Flandreau, Doris (Dani) Westra of Cold Spring, MN and Dawn Elverud of Sparta, Wisconsin.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dolores, his five children and spouses, nine grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, one great-great- grandchild, 29 foster children, sisters Molly and Sharry, brothers Dick, Doug and Bob.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Rolland and Roger; sister, Judy; grandson, Jacob Leibel; Dawn’s special friend, Steve; and a multitude of great hunting dogs.
Dad had a smile and a story for everyone he met. He was truly interested in people and their lives, stories and families. He always had a goal to help someone every day, whether it was pumping gas, opening a door, or delivering the bank deposit for J&K. He will be remembered for his easy smile, good humor, questionable comments, playing cards and having coffee with his many friends. Knowing Dad’s strong faith and beliefs, we know he has entered heaven’s gate and has now found a fishing hole with trophy walleye and no limits.
We extend our deepest appreciation to Avera Flandreau Clinic and Physical Therapy, Avera Home Health and Pipestone County Hospice. Memorials given will be distributed by the family to the Pipestone County Hospice and Ss Simon and Jude’s church steeple repair in honor of Don Elverud.
Our family appreciates all the kind words and gestures during this difficult time. The world is a better place because he was here.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.