Howard M. Ellingson, 98, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at his lake home on Leaf Lake, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Howard lived an amazing life filled with hard work, laughter, friendship, and devotion to his family.

Howard was born on August 22, 1928, to Robert and Lydia Germstad Clemenson and then adopted by Martin and Minnie Germstad Ellingson of rural Perley, Minnesota. He attended country school and later took over his father's farm near Perley. Alongside his son, he operated Ellingson Farms, where they raised sugar beets, wheat, barley, and soybeans.

On May 28, 1949, Howard married Bonnie Qualley of Hendrum, Minnesota. Together, they built a beautiful life in rural Perley, where they farmed for more than 50 years and raised their five children. In 2001, Howard and Bonnie retired and built a year-round home on Leaf Lake, south of Lake Park, Minnesota.

Howard loved life at the lake, especially landscaping, woodworking, flowers, and plants. More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Howard was known for his incredible work ethic, farming during the summers and remodeling homes during the winter months. He was a social and fun-loving man who always had a joke, witty comment, or wise gesture that made people smile.

Howard treasured the friendships he made throughout his life, especially with friends in Borup and at the lake. He was especially fond of the staff and family at The Pitt 611. It became a favorite gathering place for the Ellingson family and the site of many celebrations, including Howard's 80th birthday and Howard and Bonnie's 63rd wedding anniversary in 2012.

Even after retirement, Howard remained a farmer at heart and always wanted to hear how the crops were doing. His quick wit, kindness, and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bonnie passed away on January 7, 2013, after a short battle with bladder cancer. Dad remained living at the lake, where he continued to make many cherished memories.

On September 7, 2017, Howard experienced a horrific fire at his home on Buckhorn Road and lost everything. Despite this devastating loss, he chose to rebuild on the same lot, which has remained his home ever since.

During this time, he met Carmen Walter, a dear friend who became a wonderful companion and helped care for him. We are incredibly grateful for the love, kindness, and care Carmen has given Howard. Her friendship and presence meant so much to him and to our family.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; his parents, Martin and Minnie Ellingson; his in-laws, Alvin and Nellie Qualley; his brothers, Elmer, Robert Jr., Martin, Sonny, and Lloyd; his sisters, Orla, Joyce, Audrey, Shirley, Delores, Marlin, and Beverley; his son-in-law, Ted Schaff; his sister-in-law, Jan Qualley; his sister-in-law, Vi Weyers and Henry Weyers of Fargo; and his brother and sister-in-law, Dave Allen of Lakewood, Colorado and Sister Lillian Anderson of Fargo ND.

Howard is survived by his longtime friend, Carmen Walter; his son, Perry (Kitty) Ellingson of Borup, Minnesota; daughters, Peggy Schaff of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, Paulette (Derrell) Nantze of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Jodi (Randy) Brown of Fargo, North Dakota, and Jill (Tim) Krahn of Fargo, North Dakota; brother-in-law, Arlo Qualley of Adrian, Michigan; sister-in-law, Marlene Allen of Lakewood, Colorado; and sister, Joann (Dick Penrose) of McMinnville, Oregon.

Howard is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Shawn (Andria) Ellingson, Chris (Erin) Ellingson, Stephanie (Charlie) Kernaghan, Jennifer (Erik) Rekstad, Jill (Mark) Kleidon, Mitch (Ann) Schaff, Alan Schaff, Kari (Grant) Gerlach, Andy (Christy) Schaff, Ryan Varner, Kyle Varner, Tyler (Caitlin) Dahl, Jeran (Adriana) Dahl, Sawyer (Kennedy) Dahl, Nikki (Nick) Carlson, Kaitlin Brown, Colin Brown, Garrett (Halley) Trochman, Olivia Burke, Jordan (Kyle) Belmont, Jennifer (Ricky) Krahn, and Kelly Krahn.

He also survived by his great-grandchildren: Lauren (Jacob Greemeir) Ellingson, Zach ( Amy) Ellingson, Riley Larson-Adams, Audrey Ellingson, Kinzey Ellingson, Landrey Ellingson, Eli Kernaghan, Blair Kernaghan, Adelyn Greemeir, Ella Dahl, Carter Dahl, Ryker Dahl, Poppy Trochman, Taylor Belmont, Demi Belmont, Sydney Belmont, Jack Krahn, Ivy Krenelka, Dianna Thompson, and Oakly Thompson.

Howard's family would like to thank everyone for the love, friendship, and support shown throughout his life. The family would also like to extend a special thank-you to everyone who helped with Howard's care, Tammy Fairchild and HIA Hospice. A special, heartfelt thank-you goes to Carolyn Marvig and Wendy Schultz for all their love and commitment to Howard and his family.

Howard's visitation will be on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 1:00 pm. The service will be held at 2:00 pm at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, located at 215 7th ST S, Fargo, ND (near Island Park). Following the service there will be a reception at the Grotto, located on the back side of Hair Success, 3233 45th street south Fargo, ND. After the reception there will be a burial at Bethania Lutheran Cemetery in rural Perley, Mn.

Those wishing to honor Howard's memory may make a memorial donation to HIA Hospice. https://www.hiahealth.org click on the donate button.