Arthur L. Ellingsen

Ellingsen, Arthur (Art) Lyle age 91, passed away Dec. 8 at his residence at Augustana Regents in Burnsville. Preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Corrinne (Burhans) and son, Thomas Arthur Ellingsen; 8 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy and numerous nieces & nephews. Art was born July 16, 1921 in Hayfield, Dodge County, MN. He was the youngest of nine children born to Finn Ellingsen and Elise Wilson. Both families were pioneer families in Dodge County. Art moved with his family to Minneapolis when he was young. He attended Phillips Junior High and graduated from South High School. After graduation, he served in WWII in the Navy. (He had good memories of the Navy, even though he had a scar on his arm where a bullet grazed him in the South Seas.) He met Barbara when they performed in a play at Messiah Lutheran Church. After they married and their son Tom was born, he graduated from MacPhail College of Music with a B.A. in Music. He worked for Pure Oil Co. as a manager. He was one of the founders of the Southdale Optimists Club and then the Southdale Optimists Club Chorus with Art as a vital member. Art then became a counselor at Glenn Lake Residential Treatment Center, then at Lino Lakes, and finally as a rehabilitation therapist at the Anoka State Hospital. It was there that he implemented the Tasks Unlimited program, still in existence today. Art was a member of the American Swedish Institute male chorus of which he was also president for a couple of years. It was as president that he and his wife met King Olav and Princess Christina and attended a reception at the governor's mansion. Art also performed with the Melody Makers in musicals in Burnsville/Lakeville. He was an eternal optimist and always singing or whistling. He was a giver and tried to bring out the best in others. He loved nature and a good cup of coffee. One of his fellow residents wrote the following, "Things aren't the same without your friendly greetings." Funeral service Friday, Dec. 14 at 11 AM, with visitation one hour prior at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4801 France Ave S., Mpls. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Arthur L. Ellingsen

December 8, 2012

Tributes

Arthur L. Ellingsen

December 8, 2012

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