April 21, 1928 — Jan. 14, 2014

Donald William Ellingson, 85, of Niles, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 14, 2014.

Don was born April 21, 1928, in Chicago to Charles and Frances (Benson) Ellingson. He graduated from Chicago’s South Shore High School in 1946. He was a Seabee in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois.

Don married his high school sweetheart, Mary Dowling, on September 29, 1951, in Chicago. In 1955 they moved to 13th Street in Niles where they lived for the remainder of their lives, constructing several additions to their house as the family grew.

Don was a devoted husband and father and together with Mary raised three children, Sue, Kathy, and Tom. Over the years, Don and Mary took in several young people and provided a loving home for anyone going through troubled times. Don was well-known for his sense of humor, good practical jokes, and annual talking pumpkin.

Don was preceded in death in 2010 by his wife Mary (Dowling) Ellingson, after 58 years of marriage. He is survived by children Susan Ellingson (John Schafer) of Madison, Wisconsin, Kathleen Ellingson of Niles, and Thomas Ellingson (Donna) of Dayton, Ohio; grandchildren Eric, Tara, Jenny, Liz, Courtney, Daniel, and Jon; great-grandchildren Eli, Luke, Nataleigh, and Ayverie; and a brother, James Ellingson (Jan) of Wheaton, Illinois.

A memorial service will be held at his house in Niles on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 3 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, is assisting with arrangements.

www.halbritterfunerals.com