Lorena (Barth) Ellingson, age 95, of Decorah, Iowa, died on Dec. 9, 2017, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah.
Funeral services were held Dec. 14, 2017, at the Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah, IA, with Rev. David Sorenson and Rev. Brenda Crossfield presiding. Burial was in the Phelps Cemetery, Decorah, Iowa.
The family suggests that any memorials be made to the Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah IA 52101, or to the Helof Holm VFW Chapter #1977, 104 State St. Decorah, IA, 52101
Lorena Jeanette (Barth) Ellingson was born on Nov. 16, 1922, the daughter of Michael and Clara (Barth) Barth in Pleasant Township, Decorah. She was baptized, confirmed, and married all at St John’s Lutheran Church, Locust. She attended rural schools, graduated from Decorah High School in 1941 and Luther College in 1974.
Lorena taught in rural schools, Freeport village, high school, special education, and John Cline third grade for 22 years. She did substitute teaching for 12 years. Teaching was her love, and she was known as the “hug” teacher.
She held many offices, Vice Chairman of Rural Teachers, President of Decorah Education Association, V.F.W Aux. President, Vice President of the American Legion, and 9th District Vice President of V.F.W Aux. President of First Lutheran Church Ladies, Secretary of DLCW (Decorah Lutheran Church Woman), Vice Chairman of Low Rent Community for the city of Decorah, Board member for Wellington for many years. She was also active in Sunday School and Bible School, Girl Scouts, and Nordic Dancers.
Lorena married Tilman Ellingson March 2, 1947, after he was discharged from WWII. Three wonderful daughters were born to this family, Wanda, Wendy, and Wanett, five grandchildren, Ian, John Christian, Nicholas, Maxwell, and Alex, two great grandchildren: Graham and Maggie. It was Lorena’s great pride and joy to be with them.
Lorena is survived by her three daughters: Wanda (John Condie) Ellingson, Durango, Colo.; Wendy (Brian) Furey, Mesa, Ariz.; and Wanett (Norm) Helmuth, Iowa City, Iowa. Five grandsons: Ian Condie, J.C (Taylor) Ellingson Condie, Nicholas Furey, Alex (Shandi Kano) Helmuth and Max (Allie) Helmuth. Two great grandchildren: Maggie & Graham. Two sisters-in-law: Sandra Pierce, Sacramento, Calif., and Mary Ellingson, Decorah, Iowa, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Lorena was preceded in death by her parents: Michael and Clara Barth. Her husband: Tilman Ellingson on June 12, 2013. Seven sisters, Elsie (Otto) Hanson, Vera (Bill) Dinger, Violet (George) Day, Doris (Rubin) Gulrud, Melba (Edward) Tucker, Iowa (George) Howard, Deloris (Edward) Breeser. Five brothers, Oliver (Clara) Barth, Earl (Hazel and Helen) Barth, Telford (Agnes) Barth, Orlando (Alma) Barth and Floyd (Marcella) Barth. Lorena’s father-in-law and mother-in-law: Harris and Henrietta (Hendrickson) Ellingson. Tilman’s siblings and spouses: Esther (Willard) Grotegut, Adelaide (Edward) Shelby, Kathleen (Calvin) Snitker, Orval (Dorothy) Ellingson and Mervin (Lillian) Ellingson, Darrell D. Pierce and Cheryl (Duane) Bergan.