Clifton Ellingson

Clifton Arlo Ellington was born on January 26, 1927 in Clarkfield, MN, the son of James and Ada (Johnson) Ellingson. He attended and graduated from Marshall Public Schools and enlisted in the Navy in 1944. He was assigned to the Minesweeper unit on the USS Ptarmigan 376 for duties in Japan. After discharge Cliff worked at Wetherbee Hardware and Marshall Grocery. On June 26, 1949 Cliff married Erma Severson in Marshall, MN. From this union three children were born; Michael, Thomas, and Louise. In 1966 Cliff, along with his wife and two business partners established Southwest Wholesale, Inc. In 1984 he retired and the business was sold to his children. He then split his time between Marshall and Florida. He was an active member of the church and served on numerous committees. Cliff and Erma enjoyed traveling with his brothers and their wives. Grandchildren were very important to him and he like attending their activities. He also enjoyed golfing, spending time at the lake, and watching sports, especially the MN Twins. Cliff died on Friday, October 21, 2011 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. Cliff is survived by his wife of 62 years, Erma, of Marshall; his children Mike (and Pam), Tom (and Pat), Louise (and Mike) all of Marshall; grandchildren Chris (and Anna), Ben (and Karen), Sam, Colleen (and Bill), Casey (and Matt), Randi (and Jamal), Anthony, Alan, David, Kevin, and Rachel; great-grandchildren Maia, Lyam, Morgan, TeSean, Kiersten, Carter, and Jack; and his two brothers Clayton and Byron (and Yvonne), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Sylvan.