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Home ›Michael Charles Ellingson – Sierra Vista, AZ

Michael Charles Ellingson 80, of Sierra Vista, Arizona died peacefully Friday, June 21, 2024 with Hospice care after a long illness. He was born December 26, 1943 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota to Sidney and Edna (Larson) Ellingson of Ashby. Michael was baptized at the Presbyterian Church in Ashby. He attended Ashby Public Schools, graduating in 1961. The following year he attended U of M Morris. For a few years in was in Alexandria working for Pete’s Super Valu Grocery and later Rod Volt Electric. Michael then returned to Ashby where he worked at the LP Gas Plant until 1967 when he enlisted into the Army, where he proudly served for 22 years. During his years of service his duties took him to Kentucky, New Jersey, Washington State, Italy, Thailand, Honduras, Iran, Cambridge, MN and Fort Huachuca, AZ. After retiring from the Army he continued working for the military as a contractor. He worked as a fiber optics and telecommunications engineer for over 10 years. While stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington he met and married Gayle Teeter in 1972. Two children were born to this union. Eventually Mike’s career took him to Cambridge where he was a recruiter for the Army. Here he met Karen Lawrence. They were married in 1979. Mike and Karen combined their family of six children: Michael’s daughter and son, Sarah and Clinton; and Karen’s sons, Gary, Greg, Steven; and daughter, Dawn. They mov-ed to Fort Huachuca, Arizona in 1983, eventually settling in Sierra Vista in 1986. During his school years Michael was very athletic. He played on the football, basketball, baseball and track teams. He later developed a love for cooking and in Ashby he will be remembered fondly for his “nurkey toodle” soup. He and Karen were long time members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Sierra Vista. He was a member of the Ashby American Legion and was able to march in the Memorial Day Parade in 2017. Michael was a proud member of the Sierra Vista Chapter of the Elks for decades. During his years with the Elks he held the offices of treasurer, secretary and the highest office of Exalted Ruler. Mike loved gardening, feeding and watching his birds. He enjoyed traveling with Karen after retirement and together they saw the country. But above all else, Michael loved his family and would do anything for them. He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Sarah; son, Clinton; step-sons, Greg and Steve Lawrence; brother, Paul (Mary) Ellingson; sister, Janice Ellingson; 21 grand and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Stanley and wife, Joanne; parents-in-law, Ted and Edna Brummond; step-son, Gary Lawrence; step-daughter, Dawn Lawrence; and brother-in-law, LeRoy Brummond. A memorial service to honor Michael’s life will be Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Ashby, Minnesota.