Ellingson, Vernon Lee

CONRAD - World War II veteran Vernon Lee Ellingson, 94, died 
of natural causes May 8 at a Conrad extended-care facility.

His memorial service will be Aug. 7 at Pondera Golf Club, with 
burial of ashes in Hillside Cemetery. Pondera Funeral Home is 
handling arrangements.

Vernon was born March 7, 1916, in Brady, and was the first 
child born to Edwin Oliver "2x4" Ellingson, and Olga Josephine 
Lee of Glydon, Minn. They lived east of Brady and he 
attended the Berland School until the family moved to Brady, 
where "2x4" managed the lumber yard. After graduating in 
1934, Vernon went to work for Twin Service and then moved 
to Fargo, N.D., to work for Minneapolis Moline Co.

He married Katherine Wieringa and they later divorced.

When World War II broke out, he enlisted in the Army in 1941. 
His tour of duty included the European, African and Middle 
Eastern theaters, and he achieved the rank of staff sergeant. 
He served in the 506th Fighter Squadron, 404th Fighter 
Group. Vernon was always proud that all four brothers served 
in World War II. Orvest Ellingson, a B-17 pilot, was killed in 
action over France.

Upon returning to the U.S. in 1944, Vernon worked for 
Cummins Diesel in San Francisco. He retired in 1985.

In 1953, he met school teacher Florence M. Hartig in San 
Rafael, Calif. They were married 50 years, until her passing in 
2003. Hobbies were golfing, calling bingo, traveling and 
square dancing. Vernon was a volunteer fireman in Alto, Calif., 
and a lifetime member of the American Legion, Independent 
Order of Foresters and the 1305 Automotive Machinist Union. 

Because of health reasons, Vernon and Florence moved back 
to Shelby, Mont. Upon Florence's passing, Vernon moved into 
the Horizon Lodge in Conrad. He served as 
secretary/treasurer for the residents' council and called bingo 
every Friday.

Survivors include a sister, Lucille E. Petersen (Roland) of Brady; 
a brother, George F. Ellingson (Betty) of Conrad; nephews, Bill 
Ellingson (Sue Ann) of Denver, Colo., Glenn Petersen of Brady, 
Ronald Ellingson (Lilia) of Missoula, and Steven Ellingson 
(Debb) of Puyallup, Wash.; nieces Patti L. Orcutt (Lyle) and 
LeAnn Hermance (Bob) of Conrad, Kacy Colston (Tom) of 
West Suffield, Conn., Beth Clemons (Michael) of Waseca, 
Minn., Sandra Riegel (Dave) of Billings, Sharon Harrison (Pat) of 
Baker, and Susan (Tom) Dorey of Mesa, Ariz.

Vernon was preceded in death by father E.O. "2x4" Ellingson; 
mother Olga Lee Ellingson; brothers Orvest and Robert; and 
nephew Gordon Petersen.

Suggested memorials are to Pondera History Museum; 
Ellingson Family Scholarship Dollars for Scholars; or the 
memorial of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be posted online at 
www.gftribune.com/obituaries.

Published in Great Falls Tribune on May 19, 2010