Bernice I. Ellingson age 88 of Tracy, formerly of rural Lucan, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2015 at Prairie View Senior Living. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 26 at Tracy Lutheran Church. Visitation is one hour prior to services at the church. Burial is in Redwood Falls Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bernice was born April 5, 1926 south of Tracy, Minnesota to John J. and Minnie (Fredricks) Gilb. She was baptized May 16, 1926 and confirmed June 29, 1941 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tracy. Bernice attended Tracy Public School. On December 20, 1943 she married Leland Charles “Speed” Ellingson at Trinity Lutheran Church. Together the couple farmed near Lucan. They farmed for over 54 years. Bernice was an active member of Johnsonville Lutheran Church teaching Sunday School and Bible School, and serving on Ladies Aid. She enjoyed having card parties for friends and neighbors, fixing their hair for events, and baking cakes for weddings. Bernice also enjoyed cooking, baking cookies, quilting, crocheting, and gardening. Bernice helped anyone in need and always put others before herself. She loved spending time with family, especially the grandchildren. Bernice was very important to her family and tied the generations together.
Bernice is survived by her children: LeRoy Ellingson of Amiret, Arleen (Ron) Meulebroeck of Marshall, Charles (Connie) Ellingson of Maplewood, and Jim (Becky) Ellingson of Tracy; 12 grandchildren: Jeff, Mike, David, Lee, Scott, Sheri, Jason, Justin, Jamie, Michelle, Nathan, and Aaron; 21 great grandchildren; sister Violet Hook of Canby; sisters-in-law Louella Gilb of Garvin and Florence Lorenz of Bertha; brother-in-law Lowell Bornitz of Tracy; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Leland, brothers Raymond, Ernest, and Donald, and sisters Leona, Louise, Alma, Bertha, Betty, and Martha.