Jo Ellingson

jo  ellingson
Jo passed away on Monday, January 30, 2017 at her home in Fargo, at the age of 71. Joanne (Jo) Mary Holm Ellingson was born on July 26, 1945 in Fargo, ND to Clarence Louis Holm and Hermione Angeline (Nicoli). After graduating from high school, she attended Valley City State University where her life-long love for theater and teaching were kindled. Jo married Ron Ellingson on May 29, 1968 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City.  The following decade saw Jo teaching throughout ND: Cooperstown, Langdon, Luverne, Mandaree, Valley City and Zap were all touched by her. Ron and Jo moved to Fargo in 1978, where she worked in the Fargo Public School System. Jo then spent 12 years at Nokomis Child Care Center until her retirement in 1996. She taught ESL at various locations in Fargo in her retirement. Jo leaves behind a legacy of serving others. She was a member of the Democratic Women Plus. She was a volunteer at the Democratic Party Office and ran for the ND State House in District 44. She was also a member of the Fine Arts Club and Peace Lutheran Church, where she was served in many areas, including the Hunger and Justice Committee. Jo is survived by her husband Ron, her children, Josh (Lisa) Ellingson, Pekin, IL, Molly (Bobby) Baker, Fergus Falls, MN; grandchildren, Jenna (Ben) Cook and Shelby Mason, Kyle, Cory, Jack, Emily, Katie and Bobby Baker; great-granddaughter, Harper Cook; siblings, Jack (Emma) Holm, Gerry (Anne) Holm, James (Jayne) Holm, Clarence (Mary) Holm, and Eugene (Deb) Holm. She is preceded in death by her parents. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nokomis Child Care Center. Memorial Service: 11 AM Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Peace Lutheran Church in Fargo Gathering: one hour prior to the service in the church on Saturday

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  1. Condolences to the Ellingson family as we celebrate Jo’s life. Jo will be much missed by all. Her principled life and her committed beliefs are examples for all. We are fortunate to be associated with the Jo, Ron, Molly, Josh and grandchildren. Take care.

  2. I remember Jo Ellingson from her years of teaching at Luverne Public School. She was a very kind and caring teacher. My prayers to the family on the loss of your mom, grandma and wife.

  3. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ron and family. Cherish the warm memories you all have of your loved one. 🙏

  4. My thoughts and prayers are with you all…..Jo was a wonderful lady inside and out. I feel so blessed to have known her and your family. Hugs to you all….. Deb Moser

  5. Sorry for your loss Ron! I know your wonderful memories will get you through this difficult time. Judy James

  6. Jo’e kindness touched many of us – visitors and guests from far away. So sorry to hear Jo passed away before we could hug her again.

  7. Goodbye Aunt Joanne, I wish I would have known more about you. I will cherish the memories I do have. Thank you for being there on my wedding day. Very sorry to my uncle Ron, Josh, Molly and your families. Also to uncles Jack, Jerry, Jim, Clarence and my father Eugene who lost their sister. My heart aches for you all.
    Love, Maggie Desrosiers

  8. Kingdom of Heaven and eternal peace … She was a very kind and open soul woman, I remember her. Ron accept my condolences …

  9. Our heartfelt sympathies Josh and Lisa. May Gods peace be with you and bring you comfort.
    Love,
    Tim and Laura

  10. Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us.
    They live on in the kindness they have shared and the love
    they brought into our lives.

  11. Ron, we are so sorry to hear of Jo’s passing. We were always so touched by her encouragement. Please accept our deepest sympathy. I’m sure those great memories you shared with each other will help you get through this difficult time. You are in our prayers.

    Love,
    Kathy Wang & Dan Gu

  12. Dear Ron and Family,
    I was saddened to learn of Jo’s death. She was such a compassionate and determined person, working to lift up those in greatest need. I will remember her as a true “peace and justice woman”.

  13. Dear Ron and Family,
    We were saddened to read of Jo’s passing. May God bless Jo, her memory and all of you.

    Carol and Jim Horvath

  14. Dear Ron and Family,

    We were very saddened to hear of Jo’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

    Zhisheng and Dongmei

  15. So sorry for the loss of Jo. She was a special lady, always upbeat and made you feel good when you talked to her. We will miss her.

  16. So sorry for your family’s loss, Ron. I think the world of Josh and Lisa. So glad they could be a strength to you during this difficult time. Keep looking to and trusting in the Lord for ALL your cares and needs! He WILL provide!!!

  17. Ron, and family, My deepest condolences on your loss of one of the kindest souls I have known. May the promises of God bring you peace in these days. Amy

  18. Ron and family
    I am so sorry to read about the passing of Jo. May you all find peace and comfort in knowing that God always takes the best first. You are in my thoughts and Prayers. God Bless you.
    Florence Liekhus

  19. Ron, we send our sympathies to you and your family upon Jo’s passing. We felt blessed each time that we worked with you and Jo in political activities. Jo was a great inspiration to us as she volunteered her talents and time in Democrat-NPL campaigns and in other worthwhile community activities.

    In sympathy,
    Byron and Bernice Knutson


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