Donald Willis Ellingson

Donald Willis Ellingson of Buffalo Lake MN, formerly Mound, MN, passed away peacefully on September 25th 2021.Born December 7th 1925 in Milwaukee, WI, he was the son of the late Elmer Oliver and Jessie Roe Ellingson. An only child, at age 17 his parents gave Donald permission to join the Navy during WWII. He served primarily on Guam in the Pacific Theater.
After discharge from the Navy, he attended St. Olaf college on the G.I. bill. Following graduation Donald led a nomadic life traveling around the country spending time as a college instructor in Boulder, CO and as a lumberjack in Oregon among other endeavors.
Returning to the Twin Cities in the mid 1950s, He began a long career with Liberty Mutual Insurance retiring in the late 1980s. Donald met his future wife, Florence (Bee) Ann Ellingson (nee Erickson) of Durand, WI while both worked at Liberty and they married in December of 1960. An avid outdoorsman, Donald enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family.
In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his youngest son, Martin Thomas.
Donald is survived by his wife, Florence, sons Eric, Joseph and Kirby, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
A Graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery Durand, WI on Saturday, October 30th, 2021 at 1pm with a reception following at Durand Brewery. Arrangements by Goodrich Funeral Home, Durand, WI. To express on-line condolences, visit obituaries at www.goodrichfh.com