Jerome "Jerry" Abner Ellingson

November 30, 1931 - April 8, 2017

Jerome “Jerry” Abner Ellingson, age 85, was born November 30, 1931 to Grant and Alma (Morken) Ellingson at their home in rural Spring Grove MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove, and graduated from Spring Grove Public School in 1949. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Spring Grove and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the American Legion Post 249. Jerry married Audrey Kjome on May 10, 1955 and they raised seven children. Jerry served in the US Army from 1952 to 1954 and was stationed at Camp Roberts, CA and Fort Lewis WA. After his discharge, Jerry hauled milk, drove school bus, worked on the farm, and worked for the US Postal Service at various locations and retired as Postmaster in Spring Grove. During high school, Jerry played basketball and baseball. He enjoyed playing softball, bowling, playing cards, and spending time with family. Jerry was known for his love of all sports. He loved the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, but his favorite team was the Spring Grove Lions. He was honored by being named Fan of the Year 2015-2016 and continued to attend games until his health no longer allowed. Jerry was known for his patriotism. He served as past commander of the American Legion Post 249 and participated in funerals, parades and honoring veterans by placing cemetery flags each Memorial Day for many years. He was honored to participate in the Freedom Honor Flight on May 7, 2016. Jerry passed into the eternal care of our Lord on April 8, 2017 at his home in Spring Grove surrounded by his loving family after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Survivors include his children: Jeff (Joyce Merchlewitz) Ellingson of Spring Grove, Jennifer (Brad Hunter) Bury of La Crescent, Kristy (Gary) Selness of Zumbrota, Gary (Maureen) Ellingson of Racine, Lynn Sobeck of Rochester, Beth (Patrick) Pederson of Holmen WI, Mike (Sandy Wojahn) Ellingson of Spring Grove. Grandchildren: Adam (Sarah) Ellingson, Matt (Jenni) Ellingson, Mandy Ellingson, Amy Bury, Ben Bury, Melissa (Travis) Devlaeminck, Jason (Hannah Watkins) Selness, Tanya (Chris) Bredesen, Bob Ellingson, Kelsey Ellingson, Tyler Sobeck, Katie Grabau, Sarah Sobeck, Taylor Pederson, Nicole Pederson, Alex Ellingson, Haley Ellingson. Great-grandchildren: Sam Ellingson, Lauren and Kennedy Ellingson, Olivia and Carissa Bredesen. Other survivors include his sister Shirley (Curt) Schroeder, nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Audrey, his parents, Audrey’s parents Nels and Selma Kjome and her siblings Ruth (Odell) Lee, Marilyn (Cliff) Rasmussen, John (Ione) Kjome, Jerome “Verdell” Kjome, and Norvin “Joe” Kjome.