Ethel Ellingson

Ethel Ellingson, age 92 of Decorah, IA passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2020 at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2020 at the Canoe Ridge Lutheran Cemetery with Rev. Stacey Nalean-Carlson presiding. The Schluter-Balik Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Ethel Jeanette (Bigler) Ellingson was born on February 21, 1928 the daughter of Elmer and Tilvina Bigler in rural Winneshiek County, IA. She was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Locust. Ethel attended Pleasant Country School #7 until eighth grade. She was united in marriage to Thomas Ellingson on May 8, 1949 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Together they had three children: Judy, Rick and Tammy. Ethel and Tom farmed together for many years along with her working at Wapsie Produce in Decorah. She then went to work for Decorah Hospital where she worked until her retirement at the age of 81. Ethel enjoyed gardening, flowers, cooking for holidays and having her family home to celebrate these occasions. She loved canning and freezing her produce. Her sweet corn was everyone’s favorite. She was an active member of the Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church. Ethel is survived by her children: Judy (Lee) Thompson, Rick (Kathy) Ellingson and Tammy (Kent) Kregel. Grandchildren: Kara (Scott) Fedders, Heather (Keith) Baruch, Rachel (Aaron) Ahlstrom, Rodney (Kim) Ellingson, Kelli (Dave) Thorp and Kendra Kregel. Great grandchildren: Taylor, Aspen, Anna, Ella, Matthew and Mark. Sister: Ellen (Doug) Dickman. Brother: David (Colleen) Bigler. Sisters-in-law: Karen Allen and Evelyn Bigler. She was preceded in death by her husband: Thomas Ellingson. Parents: Elmer and Tilvina (Ellingson) Bigler. Brothers: Kermit Bigler, Wilbur Bigler, Kenneth Bigler, George Bigler and Roger Bigler. Nephew: Rodney Bigler.