Arlis Berdine Ellingson

Arlis Ellingson, 84, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at her home with her loving family by her side.

Arlis Berdine Olson was born March 3, 1939, at her parents’ home in Maplewood Township, near Pelican Rapids, the daughter of Ernest M. and Marian (Toso) Olson. Arlis was baptized at South Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Rothsay, MN and confirmed in Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids. She attended first through third grade at Sand Lake District 217 country school.  Then she attended school in Pelican Rapids, graduating from Pelican Rapids High School in 1957.

On September 5, 1959, Arlis was united in marriage to Rodney Ellingson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids.  Rodney and Arlis lived in the Pelican Rapids area except for October 1961 to March 1962 when they lived in Seattle, Washington.  She began work in 1957 at Korda Clinic, Pelican Rapids until 1981. Then Arlis worked part-time at Wynnes’ Nook Dress shop for a short time, then she worked as secretary at Trinity Lutheran Church from 1981 to 2009.

Arlis was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was active in the choir, circle, WELCA, Sunday School Teacher, Secretary of the Parish Planning Council and served on various boards.  She enjoyed reading, knitting prayer shawls for ministry, genealogy, cooking, and baking. Most of all, Arlis enjoyed spending time with family.

Arlis is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Rodney of Pelican Rapids; son, Jeffrey (Ronda) Ellingson of Pelican Rapids; 2 sisters-in-law: Mary Olson and Shirley (Huseby) Ralston, both of Pelican Rapids; numerous nieces and nephews; and many cousins and friends.

Arlis was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Gary Olson; 2 brothers-in-law: Donald (Marilyn) Ellingson and Leo (Martha) Ellingson.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Donor’s Choice.

Visitation: Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota with Pastor Eric Schwirian and Allen Westby, S.A.M. officiating.

Interment: Ringsaker Cemetery, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota

Please keep Arlis's family in your thoughts and prayers.