Janice Ellingson

Janice R. Ellingson Janice R. Ellingson, age 76, of Alexandria, Minnesota, died March 23, 2013, at her winter home in Tucson, Arizona. She is survived by her husband Richard Ellingson, daughter Kristen ( Richard) Panowicz of Omaha, NE and son Jorgen (Yumiko) Ellingson of Orono, MN. Also surviving are her grandchildren Emma Panowicz, Ethan Panowicz, Oscar Ellingson, and Max Ellingson. She was preceded in death by her parents. Celebration of Life services will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Minnesota, on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at 11:00 am. Friends may call beginning one hour prior to the service. A luncheon at the church will follow the ceremony. Interment will be private. Janice Ellingson was born in Bertha, Minnesota, on February 2, 1937, the daughter of William Sharkey and Harriet (Thompson) Payne. She graduated from Verndale High School in 1959, attended Hamline University and graduated from St. Cloud State University as an English teacher. While employed as a high school English teacher in Long Prairie, Minnesota, she met Richard Ellingson. The couple was united in marriage on June 9, 1962, in Long Prairie. Moving with her husband and family as Richard continued his career with the Minnesota Natural Gas Company Janice lived in the Mankato/St. Peter area, Willmar, Edina, and, in 1982, moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. The family bought a lake place in Alexandria and Richard and Janice moved there in 1994, following his retirement. Janice called Lincoln, Nebraska home for many years. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church of Lincoln, as a Board Member of the University Art Center in Lincoln, as well as a volunteer for the Sheldon Art Gallery, the Lincoln General Hospital Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, Newcomers Club, and the Lincoln Country Club. Janice was a beloved Husker fan. Janice was a life long member of PEO. Most recently she was a member of Chapter EL in Alexandria, Minnesota. Janice was a loving and devoted wife of nearly 51 years, a wonderful, outstanding mother and Nana. She was very giving of her time and talents throughout her life and will be fondly remembered for that! Her loving, caring heart, beautiful smile, and hugs will be forever missed! Memorials are preferred to the Calvary Lutheran Church ELCA College Scholarship Fund. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria, Minnesota. www.andersonfuneral.net