Judith Mary (Nelson) Ellingson

Judith Mary (Nelson) Ellingson of Friendship Village in Bloomington passed away peacefully on September 5, 2021, at age 86. 

Born to Denise and A. Herbert Nelson on January 25, 1935, Judy grew up in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Southwest Minneapolis, spent many of her summers at the family cabin on Big Sandy Lake, and graduated from the University of Minnesota. 

While at the U of M, Judy and the love of her life, Dave Ellingson, made lifelong friends as they participated in Theta and SAE events. 

Judy devoted herself to her children and grandchildren. She was the kind of mother and grandmother we all need in our lives. Her constant support and loving, kind presence will always be remembered. 

She had many adventures, including working at Glacier National Park, starting her married life in Germany, and traveling all over the world. Her children and grandchildren adopted her adventurous spirit. When asked about it, her grandchildren will answer, “I got it from my grandma!” 

Nobody loved a party more than Judy and Dave. They hosted many gatherings for family and friends both at their home in Eden Prairie and at “Camp David” on Big Sandy Lake. 

Her many accomplishments included creating a thriving arts and crafts business, working as a Title 1 Tutor at Prairie View Elementary, quilting, and many many random acts of kindness. 

Judy was preceded in death by her husband David Ellingson, son Scott Ellingson, and sister Patty Foulke. 

She is survived by her children Susan Ellingson Busch (Bob), Tom Ellingson (Anne), and daughter-in-law Sheila Folkestad (John). Her grandchildren are Katie, Mike, and Tom Busch; Melana and Morgan Ellingson; and Maggie, Claire, and Rachel Folkestad. 

She also leaves behind her sister Catherine Feste (Dale), brothers Skip Nelson (Susan) and Wendell Petersen, and brother-in-law Robert Foulke. 

A private family service will be held at a later date. Cards may be sent to Susan Ellingson Busch, 3939 Campello Curve, Chaska, Minn. 55318. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Desmoid Tumor Foundation online at DTRF.org or by mail to DTRF, PO Box 273, Suffern, N.Y. 10901.