PATRICIA ELLINGSON

Patricia “Pat” Joy Ellingson, 92 of Black River Falls, went to be with the Lord Nov. 2, 2026.  Pat was born to Mahlon and Jennie (Fisher) Nordahl.  She grew up in the Hixton area and graduated from Hixton High School.  Pat married Orlin Ellingson in 1952 at the Upper Pigeon Creek Lutheran Church.  They shared 46 special years together until Orlin’s death.  Together they raised four children.

  Pat was well known in the community for her cake decorating skills. Baking was a big part of her life.  For many years she ran a licensed in-home bakery.  Her wedding, birthday, anniversary, graduation and special event cakes were part of countless celebrations throughout the community.  In later years, she decorated cakes in the bakery department at John’s IGA.  Pat was especially known for her Norwegian and Christmas holiday baking.  Her annual holiday bake sale drew people from near and far.

Pat was an active member of Evangelical Lutheran Church.  She taught Sunday school and served as past president of the ELCA Women’s Organization.  She was also a Campfire leader, a Cub Scout den mother, longtime member of Sons of Norway, and past president of the Pine View Nursing Home Auxiliary.  Pat was honored as the recipient of Pine View’s “Volunteer of the Year” Award in 1998.

After retirement, Pat and Orlin enjoyed traveling.  They especially enjoyed their winters spent in Arizona.  After Orlin passed away, Pat took several trips with her group of friends, affectionately called the “Golden Girls”.  

Also, Pat never passed up the opportunity to enjoy a game of cards.  For several years she enjoyed spending time at the Lunda Community Center “Hub”, where she met many new friends.

Nothing was more important to Pat than spending time with her family, and she always found ways to show her love.   Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her endless joy, and she enjoyed spending time with them and watching them grow.  They all loved spending time with their special “GG” (Great-Grandma).  Special birthday cakes and cookies, care packages for those away from home, weekly emails to the grandkids and beloved soup nights became treasured family traditions.  

Pat is survived by her children, John (Jane) Ellingson, Roger (Jackie) Ellingson, Mary (Randy) Eddy and Kathy (John) Grzybowski; grandchildren Justin Ellingson, Andy Ellingson, Kelly (Travis) Gordon, Jessica (David) Prell, Greg (Anneliese) Eddy, Chad (Megan) Ellingson, Melissa (John) Petronovich, and Kate; seventeen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; many niece, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Orlin; her grandson, Matthew Ellingson; and her siblings, Ethel (Don) Lyon, James (Arlene) Nordahl, Carol (Emil) Jelinek, Robert (Lydia) Nordahl and Thomas (Pat) Nordahl.

The funeral service for Pat will be held at 11 a.m. at the Evangelical Lutheran Church Friday, Nov. 13,  2026. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.  Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Black River Falls.

Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.