Lois Ellingson

Lois Ellingson, 81, of Fargo, ND, died Saturday, February 13, 2010, at Bethany Retirement Living, Fargo. Lois Ann Grinde was born May 13, 1928, at Mayville, North Dakota, daughter of Benjamin and Ida (Hendrickson) Grinde. She was raised and educated in rural Portland, North Dakota and graduated from Mayville High School. She continued her education at Concordia College and Mayville State Teacher’s College. Lois taught school in Galesburg and Harvey, ND before meeting her future husband, Maurice Ellingson, in Adams, North Dakota. They were married June 10, 1951, in the Roseville Church, Portland, ND, and made their home in Fargo, North Dakota. Lois worked as a stenographer at Northwestern Equipment and the North Dakota Veterans Administration until she moved to their family accounting business where she worked with her husband for many years. In 1981, Lois became a tour escort with Dakota Tours traveling all over the United States and Canada. She loved meeting new friends and traveling to new places. Lois always welcomed relatives and friends to her home, never seeing enough of her grandchildren and their parents. She was very active at Hope Lutheran church and was the first president of the LCW. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and served as wedding hostess, for many years. Lois spent many hours volunteering for the Sons of Norway and was a 4-H leader for many years. Lois is survived by her husband, Maurice, Fargo, ND; daughter, Leanne Cosgriff, Fargo, ND; sons, Paul (Margaret) Ellingson, Tucker, GA; Kent (Kay) Ellingson, Louisville, TX; and Brad (Julie) Ellingson, Acworth, GA; sister, Elaine (Orien) Klath, Portland, ND; sisters-in-law, Elenore, Grinde, Mayville, ND; and Gloria Grinde, Mayville, ND; grandchildren, Adam and Lynn Baumgartner; Nathan, Samantha, Andrew and Rachel Ellingson; great-grandchildren, Sidney Jaxon and Carter Baumgartner; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Lyle, Ronald, and Wayne Grinde. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association North Dakota Chapter - 4357 13th Ave. S. Fargo, ND. Funeral Service: Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 11:00 AM, at Hope Lutheran Church – North Campus, Fargo, ND. Visitation: Friday, February 19, 2010 from 5-7pm, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Prayer Service: 7pm, Friday, at the funeral home. Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.