Craig Dean Ellingson, age 70, of Monticello, formerly of Belview, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026 in the comfort of his own home after his battle with cancer. Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Redwood Valley Funeral Home, Redwood Falls. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. before the service at the funeral home. Interment will be on the family farm. A special thank you to Allina Hospice and staff. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Monticello Community Center and Allina Hospice are appreciated. 

Craig Dean Ellingson was born on August 9, 1956, to Stanley and Geneva (Werner) Ellingson in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Belview, MN. Craig graduated from Belview High School in 1974. He then continued his education at Granite Falls Vo-Tech, spending two years in machining training. Craig was a machinist until he retired at the age of 63. He lived on Maple Lake for many years, where he grew a passion for fishing. Craig married Stephanie Rask and the two spent 19 adventurous years together, before separating. While Craig was growing up he worked at Merts Rec in Belview, where he learned how to and grew a hobby of playing pool. Since his retirement, he has enjoyed the time and camaraderie at the Monticello Community Center. Craig and the other retirees would play competitions with community centers of other areas, showing off their skills in pool and card games.  

Craig is survived by his siblings: Gary (Pat) Ellingson of Maple Grove, Gloria Ellingson of Redwood Falls, Tim (Vicki) Ellingson of Belview, Nancy (Bob) McCain of Isanti, and Tom (Karin) Ellingson of Champlin; 13 nieces & nephews: Cory (Sarah) & Christopher (Angie) Ellingson, Jason, Jeremy, Justin & Jesse (Shayna) Teick, Shaun (Amanda), Jacob (Jordan), & Elizabeth (Dillion) Ellingson, Lukas (Toni) & Matthew McCain, Gracie & Will Ellingson; and many great-nieces & great-nephews. He is preceded by his parents, Stanley & Geneva; baby niece Ellingson; grandparents: Otto & Ida Werner and Bernard & Minnie Ellingson.