Edwin Ellingson

Edwin Wesley Ellingson passed away at home, in Clive, Iowa, on March 8, 2016, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Edwin was born Nov. 1, 1932, in Mondovi, to Charlotte (Goss) and John Ellingson, the fifth of nine children. He was confirmed as a Lutheran at age 14. After finishing eighth grade, Edwin worked on the family farm. He joined the U.S. Armed Forces as an Army engineer on Dec. 7, 1951 and was stationed in Germany for four years. Following his military service, he moved to Des Moines and married Gloria Kinney. They had two children, Craig and Lori. Edwin worked at Bridgestone Firestone for 36 years while also working for the highway patrol part-time.
Until his later years, Edwin enjoyed helping his son and son-in-law in their real estate business. He loved to fly with his son. One of his projects was building an airboat with an airplane engine. He loved to go on hunting and fishing trips in Canada and Wisconsin.
Edwin adored his family.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gloria of Clive; two children, Craig (Sherry) of Clive and Lori (Bob) Caluzzi of Waukee, Iowa; grandchildren, Jennifer Ellingson, Alexis, Blake and Shriver Caluzzi; siblings, Betty Benstock, Eileen Hardy, Gloria Ellingson and John Ellingson; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Avis Nixon and Norma Austin; two brothers, Neil and Maylon “Doc” Ellingson; his beloved grandson, Brandon Ellingson.
A service was held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Iles Funeral Homes Dunn’s Chapel, Des Moines, Iowa. Burial was in Booneville Cemetery.
Edwin’s family wishes to extend special thanks to his caregivers, especially Connie Richardson, for their everyday help.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Brandon Ellingson Scholarship Fund at Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines, Iowa 50266. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.