Wade L. Ellingson

Wade L. Ellingson went to his Heavenly home on Sunday, January 26, 2014. He found peace at home, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and dear friends. Wade was born July 26, 1941 to Edwin and Esther Ellingson in Columbus, Wisconsin. He lived most of his adult life in Fond du Lac. On June 20, 1964 Wade married Judy White in Fond du Lac. He was hired by the City of Fond du Lac Fire Department in 1966, where he spent his entire career. Prior to that he served his country in the US Army. Wade was an avid sports fan. He especially enjoyed the Milwaukee Braves and Brewers, the Green Bay Packers, USA hockey, the Wisconsin Badgers, and any activity in which his children and grandchildren participated. Wade was instrumental in the formation of the Fond du Lac Blue Line Hockey Club and coached many of his kids' teams over the years. He loved playing board games with his grandchildren and passed along his 'no mercy' attitude. Over the past 50 years, Wade raised countless quail that he incubated at home. He passed along his knowledge and enjoyment to his daughter, who has since shared it with hundreds of students at Waters Elementary School. He also had a love of flowers and took pride in his flower beds. Wade and Judy had four children: Julie (Gordy) Vaughan and their children Amy, Rachel, and Wade; Derek Ellingson and his children Taylor and Kassie; Laural (Wayne) Wilson and their children Alex, Zachary, Ellie, and Hannah; and Kent Ellingson and his children Simon, Maddox, and Tatum. Wade is also survived by his brothers Ron (LouAnn), Reed (JoAnn), Conrad (Judy), and Greg (Kim); his sister Brenda (Bill) Lynch; two sisters-in-law, Janet White and Janice Ellingson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Hiram and Dorothy White, his brother Dale, his sisters Lois Ellingson and Helen Guelzow, and his brother-in-law Jerry White. His special friends include Bruce, Tom, Lance, Gene, Howie, and his retired firefighter coffee friends.



A celebration of his life will take place at noon on Saturday, February 1 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac. The family will greet friends from 10:30 until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Agnesian Hospice Hope or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. The Ellingson family would like to thank Agnesian Hospice Hope home care, Pastors Brett Naumann and Matthew Reis, and Dr. Michael Sergi along with his staff. Special thanks to Andy Land for his hours of loving support. Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. -Dr. Seuss