Lester Marvin Ellingson, 93, of Minnewaukan, ND, entered eternal life on Wednesday May 4, 2016 at the Woodside Village Memorial Home in Grand, ND. His hard work ethic, honest good nature and incredible sense of humor will be carried on and memorialized by his six children, eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and his extended family and friends. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00PM Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in rural Minnewaukan, ND with Pastor Harold Ovre officiating. Visitation will take place from 5:00PM to 7:00PM with a 7:00PM Prayer Service Monday, May 9, 2016 at the Nelson Funeral Home in Maddock, ND. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at the St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery in rural Minnewaukan, ND.

Lester was born March 16, 1923 to Edwin and Martha (Trogstad) Ellingson on the family farm in Albert Township. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, rural Minnewaukan, ND where he was a trustee and lifetime member. Lester received his education at the Albert Township School. He started working at a very young age on the family's dairy and grain farm. He was the youngest of six children and shared many interesting and funny stories about his family.

When Lester was 20 years of age, he married the love of his life, Erna Lee on February 21, 1943 in Maddock, ND. They raised four boys and as Lester would say, two beautiful girls, and continued farming on the family farm for over 50 years. They enjoyed going to the movies, bowling, playing cards and dancing with their close friends Vernon and Irene Ellingson. They attended numerous high school activities throughout the years and were honored with the Bobcat Booster Award. They also chaperoned many senior class trips for Maddock High School. Lester was a member of the Maddock school board and also several county farm boards. He loved teaching his grandchildren how to hunt, fish, drive a vehicle and shoot pool.

After retiring from farming, Lester worked at his oldest son's repair shop for several years. Lester and Erna were able to travel to many places. They loved to visit his brother Lawrence in Arkansas and traveled to California, Washington, Texas, and Norway for their 50th wedding anniversary. During frequent visits to Texas, Lester enjoyed working at his son-in-law's moving company. Lester and Erna moved to Grand Forks in 2008. They enjoyed going to church and having frequent visits from family and friends. They recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.

Lester is survived by his loving wife Erna and their six children: Lester Jr. (Cheryll) Ellingson, Gale (Michiyo) Ellingson, Terry Ellingson, Dennis (Liane) Ellingson, Donna (Kevin) Ankenbauer, and Sandi (Monty) Stensland;11 grandchildren: Cindy (Randy) Olson, Jeff (Jenny) Ellingson, Chad (Julie) Ellingson, Rachel Ellingson (fiancé Dan), Rebecca Ellingson (Jay), Leah Ellingson, Levi Ellingson (fiancé Megan), Josh Ankenbauer (fiancé Meredith), Jaden Ankenbauer, Landon (Phoebee) Stensland, and Leandra Stensland (fiancé John); 10 great-grandchildren: Ryan (Brandi) Olson and Ross Olson; Jade and Jacob Ellingson; Stetson, Jameson, Sierra, Medora, and Sheridan Ellingson; Ryder Solem and his sister in law, Ruth Ellingson and many nieces and nephews.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Marie Engebretson, Alice Brackett, Melvin Ellingson, Lawrence Ellingson, and Viola Christianson.

Lester's Motto: Take one day at a time and watch the sun shine.