Luella Genevieve Ike

January 7, 1930 - September 28, 2017

Luella Genevieve (Ellingson) Ike, 87, was called home by our Lord on Thursday, September 28, 2017. She was a lifelong resident of the Spring Grove area. Luella was born January 7, 1930 to Harry and Olga (Woyen) Ellingson in Wilmington, Minnesota. She graduated from Spring Grove High School in 1947. In 1948 she married Helmer Ike and they settled on a farm in Black Hammer. Together they raised three daughters. On the farm Luella enjoyed gardening and entertaining family and friends. There were always ample sweets on hand to go along with a cup of coffee. Eventually they moved to Spring Grove in 2003. Luella always liked to stay busy. Her first job was at her uncle's grocery store when she was only in 8th grade. The worst part of that job was when the country folks would come into town Saturday evenings, buy their groceries and head off to the movie. She, however, had to sit at the store until the movie got out, wait for the patrons to return to the store, collect their purchases and head home. After high school she was employed at Four Square Co-op Oil and later in life at Cenex as a bookkeeper. She completed her career working next to her husband at Wilmington Mutual Insurance Company. Being an active part of the community was always something Luella enjoyed. She gave a great deal of time and talents to the betterment of the community around her. Luella was a member of the Spring Grove School Board for many years and served as President for both the Homecoming and Syttende Mai committees. She was a strong supporter of the arts. Luella believed that the arts held valuable lessons and she enjoyed her role as a member of the Ye Olde Opera House as well as the coordinator for ticket sales for the annual summer musical productions. Faith Lutheran Church of Black Hammer was the place where she gave the most of herself. She served in many capacities on the church council as well as the District and Local church womens' organizations. Passing on the faith was also a large part of her church involvement. She served as Sunday School Superintendent at Faith and really enjoyed teaching children's Release Time at Trinity Center and having fun with her own classes at Faith. Luella also enjoyed sharing her musical talents by singing in the church choir, the ladies ensemble and with her husband at various church events. Luella is survived by her three daughters: Monica (Gordon) Kasel, Granite Falls, MN; Angie (Monica Granrud) Ike, Rochester, MN; Tammy (Glenn) Even, Urbandale, IA and two grandchildren, Taylor and Mason Even. She also leaves behind a sister, Marjorie Rostad, brother and sister in-laws Tilford and Joan Ike, Leland and Thelma Vatland; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and special friends Sue Vetsch, Charmaine Blagsvedt and Ross Otterness. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Lloyd Ellingson and sisters, Edna Kumpf, Ethel Morrison, Harriet Quarve, and Norma Ellestad.