Viking – Ike Ellingsen, of Viking, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at home with his loving family at his side, at the age of 86.
Hilmar John “Ike” Ellingsen was born on January 18, 1937 in Harlow, ND, the son of John and Rose (Syverson) Ellingsen. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith. Ike went to grade school in Harlow, ND and Viking. He attended high school in Thief River Falls for one year, graduating from Newfolden High School in 1955.
Ike was drafted into the United States Army in 1960. He was stationed in Germany. His original MOS was as a radio operator, but he spent most of his service as a pitcher for the Army Baseball Team “The Tankers.” The team was established to spread goodwill amongst the local people. Ike was honorably discharged in 1962.
Following his time in the service he worked in Minneapolis for a couple of years before returning to Viking where he worked on the family farm and went to work for Lakehead Pipeline, where he worked until his retirement in 1992.
On December 18, 1992 Ike was united in marriage to Cindy Olsen in Thief River Falls. Together they made their home on the Ellingsen Family Farm in Viking.
Ike was an avid hunter, fisherman, and all-around outdoorsman. He spent many happy days on hunting and fishing trips with his friends. Those memories were dear to him and often recounted. He was generous in sharing his wealth of knowledge about the outdoors with those close to him. He had a passion for raising and training hunting dogs. Ike also enjoyed bowling, golfing, trap shooting, reloading, gardening, and attending family events. Ike spent every spare moment providing an ample supply of wood for the winter. Ike believed in staying busy!
Ike was a past member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Newfolden Rod and Gun Club.
Ike treasured spending time with his family and friends. He loved to visit, share stories, and laugh. If you went to see him, you never left hungry. He had a penchant for feeding everyone and everything. He was happiest at home with his wife, dogs, and cats, tending the fireplace and being loved. Ike was a gift to us all – a stellar human being who made our lives better for having known him. He is deeply missed, but remembered with joy.
Ike is survived by his loving wife, Cindy of nearly 32 years; mother-in-law, Elody Olson; sisters-in-law, Cheri Hasbrouck (Dean Johnson) and Carole (Lonnie) Friesz; brothers-in-law, Chris (Christy) Olson, Craig Olson; nieces and nephews, Jordan Hasbrouck, Braedon Hasbrouck, Gary Hoffman, Glen Thomas Jr., Linda Lysne, Kayla Wilson, and Kenya Bittner; and many great-nephews and friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 27, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Pastor Ollie Urdahl officiating.
A Visitation will take place from 5­–7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service on Thursday, October 26, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the Celebration of Life Service on Friday at Johnson Funeral Service.
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