Obituary of Raymond Ellingson

Raymond Monroe Ellingson, the son of Arthur and Laura (Ginther) Ellingson, was born on July 23, 1927, in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada. His childhood years were spent in Alberta Canada, where his family farmed and operated a saw mill. He received his education in the Winfield School District and later in life enrolled in a few night courses at Iowa Lakes Community college. In 1947 he moved to the United States. In 1948 he enlisted in the United States Army. Following basic training Ray went through demolition school with the Seabees. He was assigned to the first guided missile regiment for testing and recovery of guided missiles. Ray was transferred to the ready reserves; ready meant that they were combat ready to be in Korea in 72 hour notice. Ray was honorably discharged on October 21, 1954. Ray was united in marriage to Cleone Rose Newkirk on September 5, 1953 in Sioux City, NE. To this union two children were born, a daughter Connie and a son, Rod. Following their marriage Ray went to work in the construction of grain handling equipment and building as a foreman/supervisor. He then went to work for McQuay Crystal Tips of Spirit Lake, IA as a welder and punch press operator for 18 years. He retired in 1990. On April 4, 2011, he moved to the Hilltop Nursing Center in Spirit Lake, IA, where he passed away on April 16, 2011 at the age of 83. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City, IA, and the Charles Flentje American Legion Post #461 of Round Lake, MN. Ray served on the May City Fire Department for 20 years. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, being out in the garage, and especially spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother; John Ellingson; sister and brother-in-law Sybil and Tony Morsolias. Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cleone; a daughter: Connie Van Engen and her husband, Mike, of Melvin, IA, a son: Rod Ellingson and his wife, Terri, of Lake Park, IA; five grandchildren: Jared Van Engen and his wife Sheila, Angie Van Engen, Amy Van Engen, Tyler Ellingson and Chantelle Ellingson; two great grandchildren Kaisha Van Engen and Ethan Van Engen; three nieces Charlotte, Geraldine and Grace all of Canada. In loving memory of Raymond M. Ellingson Born ~ July 23, 1927 Died ~ April 16, 2011 Age ~ 83 years 8 months 23 days Memorial Service 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2011 St. John Lutheran Church May City, Iowa Officiating ~ Pastor Paul Johnson Organist ~ Luella Heilman Congregational Singing “The Old Rugged Cross” “On Eagle’s Wings” #727 “Amazing Grace’ #744 Honorary Pallbearers ~ Grandchildren Jared Van Engen Angela Van Engen Tyler Ellingson Amy Van Engen Chantelle Ellingson Ushers Earl Baish Bob Rusche Don Rasmussen Inurnment Harrison Township Cemetery May City, Iowa Military graveside rites conducted by Charles Flentje Post #461 Round Lake, MN The Love we have for Grandpa will never fade away, We'll think of him our special friend through each passing day. When we walk into the room and see his empty chair, Although we know he is resting we still feel his presence there. The memories of his laughter, his warm and loving smile, His eyes so full happiness, his heart that of a child. Memories are forever be they laughter or of tears, Memories we will treasure through all our passing years.