Viva Hazel Ellingson 96, of Fergus Falls, formally of rural Dent died Sunday, December 9, 2007, at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls. She was born on November 30, 1911, on her parents farm in Star Lake Township of Otter Tail County, Minnesota to Lucien & Cora (Noble) Loop. She attended school near Dead Lake in Star Lake Township. Her mother passed away shortly after giving birth to her youngest sister. Viva, being the oldest daughter of eight brothers and sisters took over the household duties at the age of 14.
In May 27, 1934, she married Philip Ellingson. The couple farmed at West Silent Lake until 1965. They moved to Underwood in 1965 and to Pelican Rapids in 1977. In 1985 they moved to Fergus Falls. They were the parents of seven children. Viva was also a foster grandparent at Mount Faith House for the disadvantaged and disabled from August of 1985 until November of 1995. She often spoke of how great her love was for those she cared for and enjoyed seeing her people.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Philip on May 11, 1985 and three brothers, William, Lester and Alvin Ellingson.
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She is survived by three daughters; Irene (Ralph) Walker of Big Bear Lake, California, Phyllis (Leslie) Gadow of Fergus Falls, and Joyce (Richard) Polkinghorn of Littleton, Colorado, four sons; Harold (Naomi) of Pelican Rapids, Howard (Shirley) of Fargo, Kenneth (Barbara) of Perham, and Merle (Sylvia) of Fergus Falls, sixteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great Grandson, four sisters; Mable Chapman of Longview, Washington, Lucille Harworth of Fergus Falls, Gloria Torgerson of Astoria, Oregon, and Alice (John) McKenna of Pensacola, Florida; a special friend, Vincent Phelps along with numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
Visitation: 9 to 11 Thursday at the Light & Life Auditorium, Broen Memorial Home
Services: 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the Light & Life Auditorium
Clergy: Pastor Ken Austin officiating.
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Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery of rural Dent.
Funeral Home: Faith & Hope Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.
Condolences: www.faithandhopefuneralhome.com
