Lorena Ellingson

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 9:43 pm

Lorena Ellingson, 95, of Decorah, died Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah. Services are at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Decorah Lutheran Church, with Rev. Dave Sorenson and Rev. Brenda Crossfield officiating. Organist is Kathy Murray. Special music: “You Are My Sunshine” and “Save the Last Dance For Me” (Curt and Linda Gjere). Remembrances: Wanda Ellingson and Lorena’s grandsons. Solos: Pastor Dave Sorenson (“In the Garden”) and Paul Casterton (“The Lord’s Prayer”). Other music: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” and “Somewhere My Love.” Interment is at Phelps Cemetery in Decorah. Honorary casket bearers are Donna Barth, Linda Whittle, Steve Vanden Brink, Jim Juve, Home Healthcare personnel, Mark Stockdale, Glenn Larson, Andy Borske, Jim Gipp, Nils Kjome, Roger Espe, Linda Hurt, Clara Ann Webb, Mary Ellingson, Jim Wittenberg, Harold Lee, Bill Tieskotter, Ann Aschim, Jim Bolson, Diane Long, Ronald Ludeking, Jack and Sue Boehm. Casket bearers: Lorena’s super grandsons: Max Helmuth, Alex Helmuth, Nick Furey, J.C. Ellingson Condie, Ian Condie. Arrangements are being handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.

The family suggests that any memorials be made to the Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah IA 52101, or to the Helof Holm VFW Chapter No. 1977, 104 State St. Decorah, IA 52101.

Lorena Jeanette (Barth) Ellingson was born Nov. 16, 1922, the daughter of Michael and Clara (Barth) Barth in Pleasant Township, Decorah. She was baptized, confirmed and married all at St John’s Lutheran Church, Locust. She attended rural schools, graduated from Decorah High School in 1941 and Luther College in 1974. Lorena taught in rural schools, Freeport village high school special education and John Cline 3rd grade for 22 years. She did substitute teaching for 12 years. Teaching was her love, and she was known as the “hug” teacher. She held many offices, vice chairman of rural teachers, president of Decorah Education Association, V.F.W Auxiliary president, vice president of the American Legion, and 9th District vice president of V.F.W Auxiliary, president of First Lutheran Church Ladies, secretary of DLCW (Decorah Lutheran Church Women), vice chairman of low rent community for the city of Decorah, board member for Wellington for many years. She was also active in Sunday school and bible school, Girl Scouts and Nordic Dancers. Lorena married Tilman Ellingson March 2, 1947, after he was discharged from WWII. Three wonderful daughters were born to this family: Wanda, Wendy and Wanett. Five grandchildren: Ian, John Christian, Nicholas, Maxwell and Alex and two great-grandchildren, Graham and Maggie. It was Lorena’s great pride and joy to be with them.

Lorena is survived by her three daughters: Wanda (John Condie) Ellingson, Durango, Colo.; Wendy (Brian) Furey, Mesa, Ariz.; and Wanett (Norm) Helmuth, Iowa City; five grandsons: Ian Condie, J.C (Taylor) Ellingson Condie, Nicholas Furey, Alex (Shandi Kano) Helmuth and Max (Allie) Helmuth; two great-grandchildren, Maggie and Graham; two sisters-in-law, Sandra Pierce, Sacramento, Calif. and Mary Ellingson, Decorah; along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Lorena was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Clara Barth; her husband, Tilman Ellingson, June 12, 2013; seven sisters: Elsie (Otto) Hanson, Vera (Bill) Dinger, Violet (George) Day, Doris (Rubin) Gulrud, Melba (Edward) Tucker, Iowa (George) Howard, Deloris (Edward) Breeser; five brothers: Oliver (Clara) Barth, Earl (Hazel and Helen) Barth, Telford (Agnes) Barth, Orlando (Alma) Barth and Floyd (Marcella) Barth; Lorena’s father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harris and Henrietta (Hendrickson) Ellingson; Tilman’s siblings and spouses: Esther (Willard) Grotegut, Adelaide (Edward) Shelby, Kathleen (Calvin) Snitker, Orval (Dorothy) Ellingson and Mervin (Lillian) Ellingson, Darrell D. Pierce and Cheryl (Duane) Bergan.