Funeral services for Elton Wade Jennesse, 49, of Fort Thompson, SD will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday January 27, 2024 at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson, SD with burial in the Christ Episcopal Cemetery at Fort Thompson, SD.  Wake services will be 7:00 p.m., Thursday and Friday at Diamond Willow Ministries in Fort Thompson, SD.

Anyone wishing to follow, the procession will leave at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday from the funeral home.

Elton Wade Jennesse passed away on January 21, 2024 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 49 years.

Elton was born on May 24, 1974 to Mildred Grey Cloud Jennesse and Lloyd Jennesse Jr. at Chamberlain, SD.  He was raised in the Fort Thompson area and attended St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, SD and high school in the Crow Creek Tribal Schools.

Later, he moved to Sioux Falls, SD then to Belle Fourche before returning to Fort Thompson to be with his family.

Elton liked to travel around to see what life had to offer off the reservation.  He enjoyed being with his family and relatives.  He liked to fish, throw horseshoes, and listen to music.  He always made us laugh with his sense of humor.  He would always brighten up the room with his smile.  He wore his heart on his sleeve and was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need.  He had a big heart and card a lot for his family and friends.

In 1997, he met Amanda Phillips and in 1998 they had a daughter Ashlee Marie Jennesse, whom he loved very much.   He loved his children the best that he could.

Gratefully sharing his life are his children Ashlee Marie Jennesse and son Ricco Richards of Belle Fourche, SD; sisters Leeann Piskule of Kimball, SD, Madeline Big Eagle and Sharon Jennesse both of Fort Thompson, SD; brothers Keith Nelson of Chamberlain, Dennis Harford, Stanley Jennesse, and Jason Jennesse all of Fort Thompson, SD, Donovan Charging Hawk of Mitchell, SD, Ruckman Nelson of Wichita, KS; aunt Harriet Jennesse of Milbank, SD, aunt Clarice Tracks/Wind; uncle Elroy Walking Bull of Fort Thompson; and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents Lloyd and Mildred Jennesse; brothers Cory Jennesse and Wayne Harford, a special aunt Viola Jennesse, aunt Judy Kirkie, and his grandparents Mae and Lloyd Jennesse and Cedric and Zona Grey Cloud.

We would like to thank Sanford Medical Hospital doctors and staff for caring and helping with Wade. Also Ava's House for his comfort care.