Joshua Shane Ellwanger

Joshua Shane Ellwanger passed away unexpectedly on June 8, 2024, at the Platte Health Center Avera in Platte, SD, at the age of 39 years and 24 days.
Joshua Shane Ellwanger (affectionately known as Bob) was born on May 15, 1985, in Burke, SD, to Dwight and Norma (Campbell) Ellwanger. He was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, SD, and was confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in Gregory, SD. Josh was attending services at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Platte, SD. Josh grew up in Gregory and graduated from Gregory High School in 2003. Josh then attended WyoTech in Laramie, WY. There he obtained his degree in Advanced Diesel Technology.
Upon graduation, Josh began working for Ditch Witch in Tea, SD. He didn't enjoy living that close to Sioux Falls and decided to move to Mitchell. There he worked for Scott Implement.
Josh ultimately settled with his family in Platte, SD, where he worked for Titan Machinery and later as a technician for Olsen Farms. Josh was involved in his community. He served ten years as a board member for Bright Beginnings, the daycare facility that his children attended. Later he was named President of that board. He was one who was always willing to help.
Josh was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed spending his time fishing and hunting. Josh also had a creative side. He used his skills to repurpose unusable items to create unique functional equipment or would use these items to build something for his family to use.
Josh was a wonderful father. He loved his children with his whole heart. He was very proud of them and loved sharing his passion for hunting and fishing with them. Josh had a quick wit but was also soft spoken and patient. He wasn't one to rush.
He is survived by his wife Linda; daughter Melody Olson (Blake Boltjes); sons Hunter Olson, Elijah and Jacob Ellwanger all of Platte, SD; his parents Dwight and Norma of Gregory, SD; siblings Ryan Ellwanger of Mt Vernon, SD and Joni (Chad) Knittel of Freeman, SD; sister-in-law Suzy (Eric) TerMeer of Whitewood, SD; granddaughters Bella and Eva Boltjes of Platte, SD; niece and nephews Riley and Alaric Knittel of Freeman and John TerMeer of Whitewood, SD; many uncles, aunts, cousins and Cooper (his faithful dog).
He is preceded in death by his grandparents Harry and Helen Ellwanger and Wilbur and Irene Campbell, and aunts Sandra Campbell and Mary Ellwanger.
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Funeral Services for Joshua Ellwanger, age 39, of Platte, SD, formerly of Gregory, were held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Prairie View Gospel Barn, Gregory, SD, with Pastor Joel Davis officiating. Prayer service was Thursday evening at 7 PM at Prairie View Gospel Barn with visitation starting at 6 PM.
Loretta Bryan and Sherry Rembold were in charge of registration.
Music was provided by Bette Fogel, pianist. Congregational hymn was "Just As I Am." Soloist Geoff Smith sang "Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone." Recorded music was "On the Wings of a Snow White Dove" and "What a Day That Will Be."
Flower attendants were Kassidy Overweg and Macenzie Van Vleet.
Casket Bearers were Steve Olsen, Joe Bryan, Al Vigil, Melvin Vosika, Mark Van Dusseldorp, Sam Feyereisen, Bart Svoboda, and Kelly Kerner.
Honorary Casket Bearers were the Class of 2003.
Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery, Gregory, SD.
Bethel Lutheran Church of Platte served a lunch after the burial at Prairie View Gospel Barn.