David Brian Ellwood

David Brian Ellwood, 68, of Willmar, died Thursday, January 15th at CentraCare-Rice Hospital in Willmar. His memorial service will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 31st at First Presbyterian Church in Willmar. Visitation will be Friday, January 30th from 4-6:00 pm at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to his service. Burial will be at Clover Leaf Cemetery in Willmar at a later date. www.hafh.org. To celebrate Dave's life, his family requests those in attendance to please wear their favorite Willmar Cardinal clothing or favorite team attire. 

David Brian Ellwood was born on May 24, 1957, to Mervin and Fanchon (Bleck) Ellwood in Glencoe. He spent his early childhood in Stewart before the family moved to Willmar in 1964. David attended Lincoln Elementary School and graduated from Willmar High School in 1975.

Following high school, David pursued his passion for education. He attended Willmar Community College for two years before earning his bachelor’s degree from St. Cloud State University in 1980. He later continued his studies and received his master’s degree from the University of Minnesota Morris in 1994.

David began his teaching career in Freeborn and Ivanhoe before returning to Willmar, where he spent many years teaching until his health declined. He was known for his kindness, patience, and dedication to his students, especially those at Roosevelt School, where he truly enjoyed teaching and making a difference.

An avid golfer, David followed in his father’s footsteps by serving as the Willmar High School Varsity Golf coach. He also enjoyed many hobbies and routines that brought him joy, including serving as commissioner of a fantasy football league, weekly trips to the casino on Sunday nights, playing poker on Saturday evenings, and gathering for morning coffee each day at Burger King.

David will be remembered as a kind teacher, loyal friend, dedicated coach, and loving brother whose warmth and generosity touched the lives of many.

David is survived by his sister: Lynn (Doug) Urban of New London; sister-in-law: Ann Ellwood of Victoria and many nieces and nephews as well as other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald Ellwood.

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