Gordon Wayne Ellanson, Sr.

GORDON WAYNE ELLANSON SR., age 84 of Le Center, died at his home on the evening of Sunday, February 2, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Gordy was born in Hanska on October 23, 1940, to parents Hans and Jeanette (Vee) Ellanson. He grew up on his family’s farm attended country school near Hanska. On March 25, 1961, he married Connie Marie Mickelson in Madelia. In his younger years Gordy started working for area farmers, then soon after he went to work for Selly Construction as a diesel mechanic and working in the field. In 1976 he went to work for Schneider Transport as an over-the-road truck driver. He covered countless miles during his career and was awarded the 2-million-mile safe driver recognition. Though he retired from that position in 2003, you couldn’t get trucking out of his blood. He went on to drive for Dale Tiede Trucking for years until he couldn’t any longer. He still loved to go for long drives and check out different parks. Over the years Gordy enjoyed fishing and hunting, tinkering in the garage, woodworking and spending time with his family.

Gordy is survived by four children, Sue Olson of Le Center, Jesse (Linda) Ellanson of New Prague, Dawn (Shane) Brenke of Le Sueur, and Lisa Simon (Mike Blaschko) of Le Center; sixteen grandchildren, Erica, Jeff, Stacy, Kayla, Holly, Scott Jr., Brittany, Brooke, Bridget, Brianna, Lawson, Nolan, Rayna, Ben, Brooke, and Nate; twenty one great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Ellanson; and four siblings, Vicki Larson of St. James, June Morgan of Madelia, Ted Ellanson of Madelia, and Allan Ellanson of St. James.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a son, Gordon Ellanson, Jr.; a granddaughter, Crystal Jo Olson; a son-in-law, David Weber; and four siblings, Judy Murilla, Cindy Rathman, Calvin Ellanson, and Eugene Rusten, Sr.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Le Center, with Rev. Heath Queen officiating. Visitation will be held for two hours before the service at the church. Interment will follow at Gorman Lake Cemetery in Cordova.