Elmer Roy Ellingson, 89, of Kalispell, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2011, at his residence.

Elmer was born Feb. 1, 1921, to Edwin and Mabel (Johnson) Ellingson.

Elmer married Leva Thompson on Nov. 6, 1941. Together they had two children, Duane and Wanda “Babe.” 

In his younger years Elmer worked in the 3Cs Camps in North Dakota. He rode horses for neighbors for a few dollars per horse; he also worked with Ben Johnston on his ranch. He spent time building dams with heavy equipment in North Dakota. Later he worked for Will Warner as a heel boom operator for many years in the woods near Columbia Falls. He also went to Sitka, Alaska, to work as a perfectist welder.

Elmer enjoyed playing his guitar, fishing, hunting and listening to good old country music.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Leva Ellingson.

He is survived by his children, Duane Ellingson and wife, Phyllis, of Two Rivers, Alaska, Wanda Olson and husband, Rob, of Williston, N.D., Carroll Johnston and wife, Loretta, of Watford City, N.D., James Johnston and wife, Elva Lou, of Grassy Butte, N.D., Betty Zingleman of Watford City, N.D., and Ted Johnston and wife, Janice, of Trenton, N.D.; 23 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Elmer will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at the First United Methodist Church in Columbia Falls.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Elmer's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Elmer's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.