Esther Ellingsen

Esther Lillian Ellingsen, 92, of Two Harbors passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2019 at Waterview Shores in Two Harbors.

She was born on April 17, 1927 to Hjalmer and Edla (Tammi) Simola in Two Harbors.  Esther grew up in Brimson and was a graduate of both Cotton High School and St. Scholastica nursing program.  She was married to Orville Ellingsen on April 2, 1949.  Esther worked as a private duty nurse at Lake View Memorial Hospital and, following a break to raise her family, at the Community Health Center, in the pharmacy and as a registered nurse, for 17 years, retiring in 1985.

She was a 4-H leader and bowler, and was a member of the Eastern Star and Bethlehem Lutheran Church.  Esther loved family, travel, cribbage, and all things artistic.  She especially enjoyed flowers and photography, often combining the two.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Orville; brothers, Wayne and William “Bill” Simola of Brimson, John Simola of Aurora; and sisters, Ruth McKinney of Brimson and Vienna Walkama of Makinen.

Esther is survived by her sons, Mike (Susan) of Decorah, IA, Lyle (Luanne) of Two Harbors, and Wayne of Bassett Lake; grandchildren, Andrew (Eric), Katherine, Lee, Lon (Amanda), Ethan (Kaycia), and Adam; 3 great-grandchildren, Jada, Hugo, and Elwen; and many other friends and relatives.

Special thanks to the staff at Ecumen Scenic Shores Assisted Living and Waterview Shores Nursing Home.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM funeral service on Monday September 30, 2019 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Two Harbors.  Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.