Clair "Mick" Conrad Ellingson

Clair Conrad "Mick" Ellingson passed away August 1, 2021, at his daughter's home in Sturgis, S.D. Mick was born July 7, 1923, in Ellendale, Minn., to Erick and Kathrein (Thorson) Ellingson. Upon graduating high school, Mick followed many of his siblings into the Army. Mick served in the China/Burma Theater in WWII earning the rank of Corporal as well as being commissioned Major in the Chinese Army. Mick married the love of his life, Jeanne Marguerite Axelson, on November 25, 1951. Mick and Jeanne shared 67 wonderful years together until Jeanne's passing in 2019. Mick was station manager for North Central Airlines in Bemidji, Minn., and International Falls, Minn., ultimately landing in Sioux Falls, S.D. After retiring from the airlines, Mick worked at McCrosson's Boys Ranch and greatly loved working with the boys there. In 1986, Mick and Jeanne moved to Bella Vista, Ark., and enjoyed 32 years of warm weather. Mick was guided by his faith and active in church, community organizations, Rotary and coaching football. Thankful to have shared in his life are his three children, Kristi (George) Hamilton, Sturgis, S.D., Juli (Randy) Huber, Tea, S.D., and Eric (Patrice) Ellingson, Huntertown, Ind.; nine grandchildren, Rebekah (Gunnar) Vagenius, Rachelle (Mathew) Breiler, Rae Anne (Steven) Hebnes, Kathrein (Michael) Krohnke, Claire Ellingson, Sarah (Bradley) Kopecky, Kathleen Ellingson, Elizabeth Ellingson, and Erick John Ellingson; five great-grandchildren, Laura (Chris) Vagenius Mills, Tobe Rey Carias, Minna Vagenius, Theodor, and Fritz Hebnes; two great-great-grandchildren, Harrison, and Lucian Mills; and countless others whose lives he touched. Mick is proceeded in death by his wife, Jeanne; parents; 12 brothers and sisters; and a grandson. A celebration of Mick and Jeanne Ellingson's lives will be held at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale, Minn., on September 27, 2021. Memorial gifts may be directed to Alzheimer's Disease Research C/O Bright Focus Foundation 22512 Gateway Center Dr. Clarksburg, Md. 20871, in remembrance of Jeanne Ellingson. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.