Gregory Ellingson, 72
Greg Ellingson unexpectedly passed away on Jan.12, 2024, in his childhood home. Greg was born in Kalispell on April 6, 1951, the first son of Chet and Geri Ellingson. He grew up in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead High School, class of 1969. He attended Montana State University on a track scholarship and played basketball as well. He later transferred to the University of Montana before returning home to begin his career in insurance alongside his dad at the Ellingson Agency. He was general manager and secretary treasurer for Flathead Farm Mutual Insurance Company for 23 years. He retired on Dec. 31, 2023
He took every opportunity to enjoy time at the family cabin on Bitterroot Lake or on the water as captain of the pontoon boat. In earlier summers, clocked countless hours pulling his daughters and friends skiing and tubing. He was a social butterfly, life of the party, always happy and always ready for his next golf game.
He has three beautiful daughters, Courtney Burks (Dustin) of Zurich, Switzerland, daughter of Danette Shirley; Kiersta Turner (Justin) and Brandi Ellingson of Kalispell, daughters of Cheryl Ross. Brandi was there to greet him at the gates of heaven.
His grandchildren were his absolute pride and joy: Danika (14) and Deker Burks (11) (Courtney) Imrie (4), Pierce (2) and Iva Turner (7 months) (Kiersta). He loved to tickle to tears and rile them up at bedtime. He was looking forward to spending time with his grandkids in his retirement. Even though his time shared with his grandchildren was cut short he made a forever, goofy and lasting impression. When Imrie was learning to talk at 2 years old one of her first multi-syllable words was "grandpa." He spent time fishing with Deker and teaching his own unique way of tying the line. Granddaughter Danika promised her mom that she and grandpa “never fell off the jetski.”
Greg has made a lasting impression on the Flathead Valley, he was involved in many service organizations, including Jaycees, Kalispell Exchange Club, Kalispell Golf Association and United Way. He was president of Kalispell Rotary from 2011 to 2012. Greg served as treasurer and chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee for Buffalo Hill Golf Course. In 2002 he was bestowed the title of "Mr. Has Anyone Seen My Shoes" by his Wednesday night golf group. He was very involved with his beloved friends and never met a stranger. He was an active member of the "Thirsty Thursday Therapy" crowd. The list of his involvements in both business and social activities is far too many to name.
He leaves behind daughters and grandchildren as listed above, brother Jeff (Susan), sister Kristin, many nephews, nieces, girlfriend Marsha Brown, beloved dog Lincoln and so many friends.
A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 25, 2024, at Easthaven Baptist Church (2010 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell). There will be a celebration of life open house at Buffalo Hill’s Club House from 4 to 7 p.m. "The Nineteenth Hole."