Funeral Service for Norman Ellingson, 85, of Sisseton, SD will be held on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at Grace Lutheran Church, Sisseton, SD with the Rev. William Schruba and Rev. Tryphine Schruba officiating. Organist will be Mona Greseth with soloist Pat Schubert. Pallbearers will be Grandsons, Michael Ellingson, Robert Ellingson, Clint Lakness, Matthew Ellingson, Austin Cecil, Jordan Cecil. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of Norman's Coffee Drinking Buddies. Interment will be in the Sisseton Cemetery, Sisseton, SD, with Military Rites by the Read-Veflin American Legion Post #180. There will be visitation on Thursday, July 8, 2010 from 2:00 to 7:00 P.M., with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service at the Cahill Funeral Chapel and on Friday, one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of arrangements.
Norman Leroy Ellingson was born on August 2, 1924 in Victor Township, Roberts County, South Dakota to John and Ellen (Holm) Ellingson. He attended grade school at Lien #4 and graduated from New Effington High School in 1943. Following his education he worked on his folk's farm and as a hired man in the neighborhood until he was drafted into the United States Army in June 1946 and served until May 1947.He served in the First Cavalry Division, with some time in Japan. He received the World War II Victory Medal. Norman was united in marriage to Erna Bartnick on June 10, 1950 at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Claire City, SD. The couple just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They farmed in the New Effington area all their married life, and lived on what is known as Brodal farm for 35 years. In 1985 Norman and Erna retired from farming, and in August 1990 they moved into Sisseton. Norman was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. Norman liked woodworking, making yard ornaments, worked on his tractors and liked to shake dice with his coffee buddies. Norman passed away on July 7, 2010 at the Coteau Des Prairies Hospital, Sisseton, SD.
Norman is survived by his wife, Erna Ellingson of Sisseton, SD; five children, Mark and Sandra Ellingson of Britton, SD, Sandra and Conant Nelson of Maple Grove, MN, Paul and Kathy Ellingson of New Effington, SD, Jane and Dean Cecil of Rapid City. SD and Michelle and Dennis Martel of Bloomington, IL; one sister, Janet and husband Clarence Jordahl of Red Wing, MN; and twelve grandchildren.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents. One infant sister, Joyce; one sister, Eunice Singer and one brother Wallace Ellingson.