Omer Henry Ellingson

Omer Henry Ellingson, age 93 of Park River, ND passed away Monday, April 27, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Center of Park River. Omer was born January 29, 1922 to Tosten B. and Ella Midtmoen Ellingson on the family farm near Dahlen, ND. He was baptized and confirmed in Middle Forest Lutheran Church of rural Dahlen. Omer attended school in Dahlen and graduated from high school in 1939. Being the third of eight children, he often joked that the reason he ate so fast was so that he could get seconds. He and his siblings; Alpha, Irvin, Clarice, Trueman, Clayton, Dennis and Leland along with his parents, shared a love of music and a love of the Lord. Working on the family farm instilled a good work ethic and respect for the land that served him well his entire life. In 1942 he was drafted and served in the United States Army during World War II. He served in France, Germany, Austria and England. When the war ended in Europe he was sent home on leave before being deployed to the Pacific. Omer stated that saying goodbye to his family before departing for Japan was the hardest goodbye of his life. While on the train to St. Paul the conductor came and told them "Good news boys the war is over". His brother Irvin gave his life in the war. Omer returned home to farm. December 9, 1951 he married June Steinley at the Dahlen Lutheran Church. Omer and June had four children: Dale Allen born and died 1/27/1953, Joan Marie born February 2, 1954, LouAnn born September 26, 1956 and Kaye LaRae born June 28, 1961. Omer was an active member of Dahlen Lutheran Church, served on the church council and sang in the choir for many years. He loved music and sports. He sang with the men's chorus, played drums with the Dahlen Old Timers dance band with Emore Johnsrud, Oscar Fjestad, Eldrid Hagness and Alvin Dahlen. He refereed basketball games for several years. Omer served on several boards: Dahlen Township, Dahlen School Board, Dahlen Farmers Elevator, Dahlen Fire Department and Middle Forest Cemetery. He and June lived on the family farm north of Dahlen where they milked Holsteins and raised wheat, barley, oats, sunflowers, and flax. In 2002 they moved to Park River. Omer is survived by his wife June Ellingson, Park River, ND; daughters: Joan Abercrombie, Thief River Falls, MN; LouAnn (Jim) Godfrey, Wildwood, MO; Kaye Novak, Dahlen, ND; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; siblings: Clarice Enerson, Sauk Rapids, MN; Clayton Ellingson, Menahga, MN; Dennis Ellingson, Bloomington, MN; Leland Ellingson, Crookston, MN. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his infant son Dale, his parents, sister Alpha Lundmark and brothers Irvin and Trueman. Funeral services will be Friday, May 1, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Dahlen Lutheran Church, Dahlen, ND. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the Middle Forest River Cemetery, Dahlen, ND. Military Rites will be provided by the John Larson American Legion Post #347 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.