Erna Lenora (Lee) Ellingson, 96, of rural Minnewaukan, ND, went to be with the Lord on December 3, 2020 at Valley Memorial Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND. Public visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Thursday, December 10, 2020 at the Nelson Funeral Home in Maddock. A Private Family Funeral Service will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in rural Minnewaukan. Burial will take place at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family will be honoring Erna with a "Special" family service and "Celebration of Life" at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery: 4580 55th Avenue NE Maddock, ND 58348.  CDC recommendations including social distancing, hand sanitizing and staying away if not feeling well are encouraged. Wearing a mask is required.

Erna was born on May 29, 1924 to Lewis and Ruth (Larson) Lee on the family farm in Wells County. She was baptized at East Vang Lutheran Church in Heimdal, ND. She then moved with her family to Viking Community near Maddock, ND. Erna was educated at Quarve #2 in Viking Township and Maddock High School.

On February 21, 1943, Erna married the love of her life, Lester Ellingson in Maddock, N.D. and they were married for 73 loving years. As Erna would say, they raised four caring sons and two lovely daughters. Lester and Erna farmed the original homestead for over 50 years and all who knew her best would say her passion was visiting with her friends and neighbors. No one ever left her home hungry, she made sure of that. Visitors were always welcome to stay for lunch which always included more than just fresh baked goods. Erna had a "heart of gold" and she always put others first in a time of need. Her family was always her first priority and she was very involved in their high school activities. Erna was honored with the Bobcat Booster Award given to families that go above and beyond for their school communities. She was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid and a member of the Harlow VFW Club. After retiring from farming, Erna enjoyed a career as a Home Health Specialist for Benson County Social Services. In 2008, Lester and Erna moved to Grand Forks, ND to be closer to family.

Erna is survived by her six children: Lester Jr. (Cheryll) Ellingson, Gale (Michiyo) Ellingson, Terry Ellingson, Dennis (Liane) Ellingson, Donna (Kevin) Ankenbauer and Sandi (Monty) Stensland; 10 grandchildren: Cindy (Randy) Olson, Jeff (Jenny) Ellingson, Chad (Julie) Ellingson, Rebecca Ellingson, Leah Ellingson, Levi (Megan) Ellingson, Josh (Meredith) Ankenbauer, Jaden Ankenbauer, Landon (Phoebee) Stensland and Leandra (John) Haley; 14 great grandchildren: Ryan (Brandi) and Ross Olson, Jade and Jacob Ellingson, Stetson, Jameson, Sierra, Medora and Sheridan Ellingson, Adlie Blilie, Ryder Solem, Oscar and Henry Ellingson and Hudson Ankenbauer; 2 great-great grandchildren: Bearitt and Rex Olson. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ruth Ellingson, many nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Erna was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Ellingson; a granddaughter, Rachel Ellingson; her parents and all of her siblings.