John Ellingson

John H. Ellingson, age 77, died peacefully surrounded by family on February 24th at Agrace HospiceCare. He began his working life at age 18 as a news broadcaster for WKOW in Madison. He subsequently hosted a children's program on WKOW-TV. After serving two years in the army, he graduated with a BA in public relations and journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The rest of his life was spent in trade association work, first with The Rural Electric Co-ops of Wisconsin, and then as president of the Wisconsin Grocers' Association. In those capacities he used his skill as a writer and speaker. He made many trips to Washington D.C. where he advocated on behalf of the grocers. John had a lifelong love of current affairs and politics. He loved to read and travel and traveled extensively with his wife Arlene Barnett, whom he married on July 23, 1955.
He took a special interest in the individual lives of each member of his family. John is survived by his wife Arlene; four children, Tracy Ellingson, Tamra (Kurt) Klongland of Sun Prairie, Tenley (Tim) Williamson of Oconomowoc, and Thomas (Angela) Ellingson of Raleigh, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Emily Klongland, Alison Klongland, Bennett Williamson and John "Jack" Ellingson; a sister Mary (Valentine) Frank of Mesa, Arizona; three nephews, Michael, John and Thomas and a niece Julie.
The family held a private ceremony. They wish to thank the wonderful care team at Hospice and John's doctors, John Schilling M.D., and especially Peter Newcomer M.D. whom John considered his doctor and his friend. Please make memorials to Agrace HospiceCare Inc. John loved his family and he will be greatly missed.