Vernon Ellingson, 93, of Minnewaukan, ND, passed away peacefully surrounded by family Sunday, September 6, 2015 at his home under hospice care. Funeral Service will be held Friday, September 11, 2015 at 2:00PM at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church in rural Minnewaukan, ND with Pastor Allen Campbell officiating. Visitation will take place Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 5:00-7:00PM at the Nelson Funeral Home in Maddock, ND. Burial will be held at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Cemetery. Pall Bearers will be Lester Ellingson, Jr., Terry Ellingson, Dennis Ellingson, Jim Nelson, Curt Hanson, Steve Hagen, Dennis Haugen and Loren Haugen. Music will be provided by Paula Duren, Carl Gilbertson and Turi Hanson. Readings provided by Melissa McCloud.

Vernon Elroy Ellingson was born June 20, 1922 to Elmer and Ida (Skadeland) Ellingson on the family farm in Eldon Township. He was baptized and confirmed at the St. Olaf Lutheran Church of Minnewaukan, ND where he has held many offices and was a life time member. Vernon started farming at a very young age, due to his father's health. Vernon could fix or build anything, and in his later years when he was unable to do the work himself, he enjoyed watching and telling others how to do it.

On November 8, 1942, Vernon married Irene Verona Nelson in Maddock, ND. They resided on the family farm, which was originally his grandfather Halvor Skadeland's farm, their entire life. Vernon and Irene loved to dance and tried to go to dances any chance they could with Vernon's cousin Lester and his wife Erna Ellingson. Besides farming all his life, Vernon had a love for animals. He raised sheep, cattle and horses; breaking many horses himself. He also had many hunting dogs over the years, which he took great pride in training. He loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed sharing this love with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were the highlight of his life.

Vernon was a member of many boards in the community including school board, township board, weed board, weather modification board, as well as a past member of the Eagle's Club and Elk's Club. After retiring from farming, he enjoyed helping his son-in-law, Gary, with his tiling business.

He is survived by his three daughters: Judy (John) Buckmier of Minnewaukan, ND, Jane (David) Holje of Maddock, ND and Patty (Gary) McCloud of Minnewaukan, ND; 10 grandchildren: Melissa McCloud (Michael Thomas), Jody (Barry) Senger, Shawn (Samantha) McCloud, Tracy (Mark) Kallenbach, Debbie Pierson, Paul Holje (George Kelley), Linda (Brian) Glynn, Robert (Dennette) Buckmier, Randy Buckmier and Shannon Buckmier; 22 great grandchildren: Logan and Ella Fossen; Rory, Zander and Nash Senger; Jaden, Hailey, Brady, and Camryn Kallenbach; Daniel, Jared and Brooke Glynn; Samantha Kelley–Holje; Adam (Dawn) Aanderud; Mikel, Blake, Megan, Kolton, Jordyn, Jessica and Josh Buckmier; Hannah Pierson; sisters, Caroline Haugen of Devils Lake, ND and Anna Mae Prichard of Maddock, ND; sister and brother-in-laws: Dorothy (Duane) Nelson of Bismarck, ND, Quinton (Ruth) Nelson of Harrisburg, OR, and Dorothy Nelson of Minneapolis, MN.

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife Irene; parents; sister, Ella Kalinowski and granddaughter, Rhonda Buckmier.