Robert Joseph Ellingson

Robert Joseph Ellingson, 84, left Visalia, California and went to be with Jesus on Friday, March 14, 2014. Robert was born in Williston, North Dakota on October 10, 1929 to Severt E. Ellingson and Gertie M. Vatne Ellingson. He was raised and educated in Minnesota and Belvidere, Illinois, graduating from Belvidere High School in 1947. On September 16, 1948 he married his sweetheart, Ann Carlson and they celebrated 64 years of marriage together. They made their home in Rockford, Illinois for over 50 years, moving to Visalia, California to be near their daughter, Sheri in 2002. Robert worked in the manufacturing industry for over 35 years, working into plant management for Rockford Products. At the age of 53, he earned his Associates Degree in Business from Rock Valley College, Rockford, Illinois. Following Rockford Products, he was a Realtor for over 10 years and especially enjoyed teaching classes to help others enter the real estate profession.

Because of his passionate and dedicated service in his church, Open Bible Center, Rockford, Illinois, in 1962 Robert received his Ministerial credentials from Open Bible Churches, Des Moines, Iowa and was still a licensed minister with them at his death. During his early adulthood, he enjoyed woodworking, building beautiful cabinets and bookcases and a special grandfather clock. Robert loved to travel with his family and also hosted many travel tours, including 7 trips to Israel, numerous bus trips to Branson, Missouri, 3 cruises to Alaska and 12 trips to Hawaii. A highlight trip was taking 67 people to Austria in 1990 to see the Oberammergau Passion Play performed each decade. After moving to Visalia, he joined the Heart of the Valley Church, teaching classes and working on their missions committee. He was able to take mission trips to the Philippines and Thailand and was instrumental in sending others to Kenya. He was also in regular attendance at Bible Breakfast meetings held on Wednesday mornings in Visalia. Robert will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.

Robert leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Ann Ellingson, daughter Sheri Shannon and husband, Philip of Visalia and two grand “puppers”, Meesha and Micah; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Robert was laid to rest in a private graveside service at Fresno Memorial Gardens in Fresno, California. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 4 p.m. at the Heart of the Valley Church, 2800 W Walnut Ave. in Visalia, CA.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue, Visalia, CA 93291, 559-732-8371.