Bernhard Ellingson, 94, Northfield
Bernhard “Pete” Ellingson, 94, of Northfield, died on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Three Links Care Center in Northfield.
Pete was born on Nov. 3, 1931, in Waseca, the son of Arthur and Valborg (Johnson) Ellingson. Pete grew up in the Hope area where his father purchased and operated the Hope Bank for many years, inspiring his son’s future endeavors. Pete graduated from Owatonna High School and attended Minnesota School of Business for two years.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 and served on the USS Diamond Head (AE 19) during the Korean Conflict. During his service, Pete was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, and the Navy Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1955.
Following his discharge, Pete attended banking school in Chicago and then began working at the Security State Bank in Kenyon as a bank teller and janitor (stoking the furnace at night). During his 44-year career at the Security State Bank, Pete mastered many positions, eventually retiring from president/CEO and chairman of the board.
On Dec. 28, 1951, Pete married Jeanne Hammel in Owatonna. The couple had three children: Debora, Wanda, and Jeffry. Pete and Jeanne divorced in 1993.
On Jan. 10, 1997, Pete married Margaret Kleese and shared 25 years of marriage and adventures before her passing in 2022. Some of their adventures included: Hawaii, Golf Shores Alabama, Cruise on Columbia River and a trip to Norway which Pete enjoyed because of his proud Norwegian heritage.
Pete made several other trips to northern Canada and even crossed the Arctic Circle twice with his dear friend and skilled pilot, Bill Mosbeck. As a classic car enthusiast, Pete travelled and participated in numerous car shows including an event to Alaska. There were also several years of fishing/hunting trips and business ventures with his group of close friends including: Doc Bohan, Cyrus Midje, Rudy Kispert and Joel Puckett.
In later years, he made good friends with residents and staff at St. Benedictine with having a great friendship with Victor.
Pete was active in the Kenyon community as a member of the VFW, American Legion, various car clubs, the Country Club, and the Commercial Club. Pete's professional organizations included the Minnesota Bankers Association, Independent Community Bank Association, and Goodhue County Bankers. Pete was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Kenyon where he was a board member and Sunday school teacher.
A great interest of Pete’s was spending time with family. Many fishing trips at the cabin, children
and grandchildren’s events and family gatherings. Taking a special interest in their individual
experiences.
Pete is survived by his children, Debora Ellingson, Wanda (Wayne) Eisenhuth, and Jeffry (Kim) Ellingson; stepsons: Greg (Anngie) Kleese, Doug (Mary) Kleese, and Tom (Hilary) Kleese; grandchildren, Andrew, Brianna, Audra, Hannah, Alyssa, Samantha, and Monica; and 10 great-grandchildren, Alexis, Hunter, Zoe, Jaxon, Kiana, Huxley, Andrew, Kyleigh, Marissa and Evelyn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, his sister, Beverly (Hugh) Rockwood; great-granddaughter, Vivian Samlaska.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Kenyon with Pastor D.J. Chatelaine officiating. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Kenyon with an additional visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at the Kenyon Cemetery with full military honors.