Patrice “Patti” Ellwanger

Patrice “Patti” Ellwanger, 62, of Pierre formerly of Draper died on Tuesday, November 17th at the Avantara Nursing Home in Pierre. Due to Covid-19 there will be a memorial service held at a later date.

Patti was born on May 18th, 1958 to Sharron Halls of Sturgis, SD; she was then adopted by Arlo & Betty Clemensen and raised on a farm near Conde, S.D. with her Brother Ronald Clemensen. She graduated from Northwestern High School and after graduation she attended Northern State University where she earned her degree in Psychology. Patti married Tom Klapperich in which 3 boys were born Brent, Brad, and Brock. Patti and Tom separated and Patti raised the boys in the Redfield area. She worked in Huron at a group home and she later moved to the Draper where she married her true love Lonny Ellwanger.  Lonny and Patti made their home in Draper for 28 years and had taken in over 30 foster children throughout their time together. Patti had many titles within her life but most of all a Wife, Mother, Daughter, Sister, Grandma, Foster Parent and Friend. She was a very loving, soft spoken, care taker who worked at Oahe Inc, Capital Area Counseling and at the Huron Disabled Home taking care of many people throughout the years. She also enjoyed working at Walmart as a photographer. During her life she not only took care of people but animals as well.

In 2015 Patty was diagnosed with Dementia at a very young age and it took its toll very fast. Lonny showed her unconditional love through it all and had taken care of her up until she need additional care and she was then placed in an Assisted Living in 2018 and later the Nursing Home in 2020.

Missing Patti are her husband Lonny Elwanger, Draper; sons Brent (Leigh) Klapperich, Plainsfield, IL, Keegan, Skyler, Arlo; Brad Klapperich (Demetria), Mercer, PA ,Jessica, Tatum, Victoria, and Zander; Brock (Sara) Klapperich, Conde, SD, Grayson and Kora. She is also survived by one brother Ronald Clemensen.

Patty is preceded in death by her Maternal Mother, Sharon Halls, Adoptive Parents Arlo & Betty Clemensen, and Grandson Jet Klapperich (Son of Brent & Leigh).

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the care she received at the Angle House in Aberdeen, Kelly’s House in Pierre and Avantara in Pierre.