Leila Leone Ellingson, age 89, of Benson

Leila Leone Ellingson, age 89, of Benson, died Sunday, December 22, 2013, at the Golden Living Center – Meadow Lane.  Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday, December 28, 2013, at the Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, with Rev. Gary Brandenburg officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2013, at the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.
 
Leila Leone Ellingson was born on February 29, 1924 in Swenoda Township, Minnesota, the daughter of Albert and Minnie (Rodahl) Christenson.  She was baptized on March 3, 1924 by Pastor Andrews in Swenoda Township and confirmed by Pastor Andrews at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Benson.  Leila grew up in Swenoda Township and Benson, where she graduated from high school.  On October 6, 1945, Leila was united in marriage with Herbert Ellingson by Pastor Nasheim at her parent’s home in Swenoda Township.  This union was blessed with more than 47 years of marriage, three children, five grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.  Leila lived in Swenoda and Cashel Township on a farm with her husband and later moved to Benson.  Leila taught Sunday School at the Swenoda Church and was active in Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church Ladies Aid.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, and watching sporting events.  Leila was called from this life on Sunday, December 22, 2013, at the Golden Living Center – Meadow Lane.  She attained 89 years, 9 months, and 23 days of age.
    
Leila is survived by her children: Galen Ellingson of Benson, Marilyn (Steve) Rodeberg of Montevideo, and Jay Ellingson of Willmar; grandchildren: Tammy (Bill) Schmitz, Terresa (Dave) Bubbers, Kris (Stacy) Rodeberg, Kari (Craig) Hendrickson, and Jon (Amy) Rodeberg; great-grandchildren: Kayla and Carter Schmitz, Megan and Maya Bubbers, Tyler, Brandon, and Jesse Rodeberg, Tristan Hendrickson, and Alex and Addison Rodeberg; sister, Olga Skare of Benson; brother: Edgar (Gloria) Christenson of Benson; and sisters-in-law: Grace Christenson and Myrt Christenson, both of Benson.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert; her parents; three sisters: Agnes Milbrant, Hazel Christenson, and Minda Skare; and two brothers: Alvin Christenson and Robert Christenson.
 
Arrangements are with Zniewski Funeral home in Benson.