Donald L. Ellickson, age 89, of Eau Claire, Wis., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on June 20, 2018, at Mayo Clinic Health System Hospital. He was born March 30, 1929, in Madison, Wis.

Don graduated from high school as co-salutatorian Cambridge, Wis., in 1946. He graduated fifth in his class from Luther College in 1950 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and History and minors in French and Education. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1951. He completed his Ph.D. in Economics in 1966 at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Dr. Ellickson began his formal teaching career as a teaching assistant at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, where he met a spirited nursing student. He married Marion Smith on Dec. 19, 1954. They were married 56 years and raised four children.

After completing his Master’s Degree he taught for the economics department at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, from 1952 to 1958.

He taught Economics at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire from 1958 until his retirement in 1994. He was appointed Chairman of the Department in 1967 and served in that capacity until 1990. He was an advisor for the Economics Honor Society and Young Republicans.

Don was involved in service to his community through civics and strong advocacy in the areas of human services, eldercare, and general fiscal responsibility. He was a member of the Grace Lutheran Foundation Board of Directors for six years, served on the original City of Eau Claire Bus Transportation Committee, and the City Zoning Appeals Board. His service continued in retirement being elected as a write-in candidate to the Eau Claire County Board in 1994. Don’s time on the board through 2008 provided valuable leadership on the Budget and Finance Committees and Human Services Board. This included development of the ADRC, Jail Diversion Program, and the Mental Health Court. Don also enjoyed volunteering for the Community Table.

Although he suffered from Rheumatic Fever as a child, Don took up running as an adult and for a number of years was also active in playing racquetball at the YMCA. He also participated in the Buckshot Run for a number of years and was delighted to win his age class as a senior citizen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marion, his brother, Earl, and sister-in-law Glee, as well as many cousins and friends.

Don is survived by son Brian Ellickson (Cindy) of Clintonville, Wis., daughter AnneMarie Swanson of Chippewa Falls, Wis., daughter Amy Ellickson of Minnetonka, Minn., and son Kent Ellickson (Eric Steffes) of Onalaska, Wis. He is also survived by his grandchildren Lisa Ellickson-Albert (Andrew), Philip Swanson (Sarah), Brenda Ellickson, and Johanne Swanson, as well as three great granddaughters; June, Hazel and Peyton.

Don felt strongly about thoughtfully giving to endeavors in the community; whether it be his church, Planned Parenthood, NAMI, the arts, and various human rights organizations. His final act of generosity was to donate his body to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine.

Visitation was held at Trinity Lutheran Church: 1314 East Lexington Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 on June 29, 2018. A Memorial Service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church on June 30, 2018. The family respectfully requests donations the UWEC Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church, Feed my People Food Pantry, Planned Parenthood, or to the charity of your choice.

Condolences can be mailed to 2042 Grand View Blvd, Onalaska WI 54650.