LaVain Ellwein, age 71, resident of Lakota, ND, died Thursday, November 17, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Center in Lakota.

LaVain Margaret Kiihn was born June 26, 1940 at home in Zap, ND, the daughter of Sterling and Lydia (Huber) Kiihn. She was raised there and graduated from Zap High School in 1958. LaVain married Nester Ellwein on July 3, 1958 at Pick City, ND. They lived at Pick City until moving to Minot in 1960. Nester's construction career had the family moving several times. In 1965 they moved to Trego, MT for a short time, then to Empire, CO as well. The family moved to Lakota in 1970. LaVain worked as a bartender at the Lakota Hotel, Miller's Inn, the SunLac Inn, and Lefty's. She also dealt blackjack and called bingo at many of these businesses. Due to her health, she retired in 2002. She moved to the Good Samaritan Center in November of 2010. In her younger years, LaVain's hobbies included quilting, crocheting, and various other crafts. She enjoyed playing cards and bingo. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 of Lakota.

LaVain will be missed by her husband, Nester Ellwein of Lakota; 2 sons, Terry of Thief River Falls, MN, and Scott of Lakota; 1 daughter, Lori (Todd) DesLauriers of Eagle Lake, MN; 3 grandchildren, Lexi, Karli, and Brady; and 1 brother, Duane (Linda) Flemmer of Ft. Mohave, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lydia , and her stepfather, Carl Flemmer.

LaVain's Funeral Service will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota, on Monday, November 21, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Peter Horn. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery.