Richard H. Ellingson
March 9, 1917 - August 16, 2004
Obituary
Richard H. Ellingson
Born March 9th, 1917, died August 16. Dick, while attending Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, experienced a call to ministry and attended Luther Seminary. He met his wife of 60 years, Leila Halverson, while interning in her father’s church in Wisconsin. He served as a naval chaplain during WWII and for over 25 years parishes in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and California. He also worked for the American Bible Society in New York City. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, gardening, singing in a Norwegian Men’s Chorus, involvement in their church, and most of all being with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Leila, of Federal Way; daughter, Mary Jensen Koch of Federal Way; son, David and La Rae Ellingson of Edmonds; sister, Edna Corn of Long Beach, California; seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Dick loved his Lord, his family, the people he encountered, and life itself. He touched countless lives with his warmth, generosity, sense of humor, cheerful disposition, and deep faith. Remembrances may be made to Trinity Lutheran College, Issaquah; Grace Lutheran Church, Des Moines; or the ELCA Hunger Appeal.
Services will be August 24th, at Grace Lutheran Church, 22975 24th Ave. South.
at 3pm. Arrangements entrusted to Bonney-Watson, Federal Way, 1535 SW Dash Pt. Rd. 253 839-7317. Please sign the online memorial at www.bonneywatson.com.
Dick was a fine man and a good friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Leila,
What fond memories we have of you and Dick at the beach. The kids loved having you there. We are thankful he is with his father and maker, and reunited with his friend, our dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Shane and Puala
We have such fond memories of Dick and his sunny smile!
We will miss having him in our lives! May God be with you all.