Rodney Eugene Ellingson

Rodney Ellingson, age 84, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Riverfront on Main, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota with his family at his side.

Rodney Eugene Ellingson was born August 7, 1939, in Glasgow, Montana, the son of Emil N. and Nita (Smith) Ellingson. He was confirmed at Grove Lake Lutheran Church in rural Pelican Rapids. In 1957, he graduated from Pelican Rapids High School, and spent six months in the United States Army Reserve. 

On September 5, 1959, Rodney was united in marriage to Arlis Olson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids. Rodney and Arlis lived in the Pelican Rapids area except from October 1961 to March 1962 when they lived in Seattle, Washington. For 45 years, Rodney was owner and operator of his own truck working over the road. He drove for GN Evenson Trucking, Evenson Brothers, International Transport Inc., after retiring from Over the Road trucking he drove for Farmers Elevator in Pelican Rapids and Grefsrud Farms. He accumulated over 4 million miles in his lifetime of truck driving. 

Rodney was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed woodworking, watching westerns on TV, and spending time with family and friends. 

Rodney is survived by his son, Jeffrey (Ronda) Ellingson of Pelican Rapids; sister, Shirley Huseby Ralston of Pelican Rapids; sister-in-law, Mary Olson of Pelican Rapids; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Arlis Ellingson of 63 years, 2 brothers: Donald (Marilyn) Ellingson and Leo (Martha) Ellingson, and brother-in-law Gary Olson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, from 1-2 PM with funeral service at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota and Allen Westby, S.A.M. officiating. Burial will be in Ringsaker Cemetery, rural Pelican Rapids, MN. 

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Pelican Valley Senior Living, Knute Nelson Hospice, or the donors choice. The family thanks the Pelican Valley Staff and the Knute Nelson staff for all of their wonderful care for Rodney.