Curtis B. Ellenson

Curtis B. Ellenson was born to Emil and Hannah (Narum) Ellenson in rural Gardner, ND on August 19, 1918. The youngest of four children, Curtis grew up on the family farm and attended Keene School. He was baptized and confirmed at Nora Lutheran Church.

In his early years, Curtis worked for area farmers, including M.H. Holte where he met his future wife, Lois Schmidt. They were married June 3, 1951 at St. Andrew’s Church at Niagara ND and lived and farmed side by side until their retirement in 1980 when they moved to Fargo. Over the years, Curtis worked at American Crystal Sugar and Agway Sunflower Plant during the winter months.

Curtis enjoyed a good cup of coffee and could out visit most everyone! He always looked forward to Mondays when he and Lois spent time with their friends at Senior Citizens in Gardner and later in Harwood ND. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and was always willing to babysit, leaving them with many wonderful memories!

Curtis died Thursday, July 7, 2016 surrounded by his family and the loving staff from Willow Lane at Bethany on University in Fargo, ND.

Curtis is survived by two daughters, Sandi Hannestad, Fargo, ND and Sharlene & her husband, Gary Nelson and son-in-law Morris Dimmer West Fargo, ND. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Heather (Barry) McKenzie, Billings, MT, Kimberley (Dan) Beach, Moorhead, MN, Jessica Nelson, Matthew Dimmer, Jennifer (Mitch) Wolden, West Fargo, ND, Michael (Alicia) Dimmer, Cedar Grove, WI and Jodi Nelson, Eagan, MN as well as 9 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Eileen & Deloy Kiefat, Aneta, ND, Janice Schmidt and Russell Schmidt, Petersburg, ND, Gilma Schmidt, Larimore, ND, Lloyd & Dorcas Schmidt, Oslo, MN and Ervy & Judy Schmidt, Niagara, ND and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, daughter, Sharen, parents, sister, Gladys Ellenson, brothers Herbert and Maynard, son-in-law Jerry Hannestad and infant great-grandson, Daniel Beach.

A special thank you to the staff on Willow Third at Bethany on University for their never ending care, concern and support. Each of you played an important role in the last four years of Dad’s life and for that we are forever grateful