Bonnie L. Ellingson

Bonnie Lucille Ellingson, 82, passed away on January 7th 2013 at her daughter’s home in Fargo, with her family by her side. Bonnie bravely battled metastatic bladder cancer for the past year.
Bonnie Ellingson was born May 10, 1930 in Hendrum, MN to Alvin and Nellie Qualley.

She attended country school and graduated high school at Hendrum. Bonnie worked at Norman County State Bank in Hendrum and on May 28, 1949 she married Howard Ellingson of Perley, MN where they farmed and resided for 50 years. In 2001 Howard and Bonnie retired and built a year round home on Leaf Lake, just South of Lake Park, MN. Bonnie enjoyed the lake and spending time with all of her grandkids. Bonnie’s biggest goal in life was to raise 5 healthy children and be a grandmother. Bonnie‘s steadfast commitment to her family was a high priority in her life. She enjoyed her great friends in Borup, MN and at the lake. She and Howard were especially fond of the staff/family they had at Jay Olness’ business, The 611 Pit. The Pit was a regular hang out for the Ellingson clan, a welcoming place to celebrate many family events, such as Howard’s 80th birthday and their 63rd wedding anniversary in May of 2012.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Nellie Qualley and her in-laws, Martin and Minnie Ellingson.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Howard Ellingson; son, Perry (Kitty) Ellingson, Borup, MN; daughters, Peggy (Ted) Schaff, Vadnais Heights, MN; Paulette Varner, Magnolia, Texas; Jodi Ellingson, Fargo, ND; Jill (Tim) Krahn, Fargo, ND; brother, Arlo (Jan) Qualley, Adrian, MI; and sisters, Vi (Henry) Weyers, Fargo, ND; and Marlene (Dave) Allen, Lakewood, CO. Grandkids, Shawn (Andria) Ellingson; Chris (Erin) Ellingson; Stephanie (Charlie) Kernaghan; Jennifer Schaff; Jill (Mark) Kleidon; Mitch (Ann) Schaff; Alan Schaff; Kari (Grant) Gerlach; Andy (Christy) Schaff; Ryan Varner; Kyle Varner; Tyler (Caitlin) Dahl; Jeran Dahl; Sawyer Dahl; Nikki Dahl; Garrett Trochman; Olivia Burke; Jordan Krahn; Jennifer Krahn; and Kelly Krahn. Great Grandkids, Lauren Ellingson; Zach Ellingson; Riley Larson-Adams; Audrey Ellingson; Kinzey Ellingson; Eli Kernaghan; Blair Kernaghan; and Ella Dahl.

Bonnie's video tribute can be viewed at http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm