Harlan Marvin Ellis, 80, Minot, formerly of Willow City, died Friday, December 7, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Harlan was born October 31, 1932 at Willow City, North Dakota, the son of Marvin and Laura (Kitzman) Ellis. He was raised and educated in Willow City and assisted with the operation of his uncle's farm in Bottineau County.

Harlan was united in marriage to Ernestine Belcourt on September 28, 1953 in Willow City. He worked in the oilfield until 1963, then they moved to California where he then worked in the construction industry. In 1967, they moved to Washington state and he worked for Boeing. In 1969, they moved to Towner where he was employed with the highway department. Later on, Harlan was employed in Alaska with Mukaluck Oil Company constructing pipeline for three years.

They purchased a farmstead in Ostby Township in Bottineau County, where they grew small grains while Harlan was working in the oil fields in the Dakotas, Montana and Wyoming throughout the years. Harlan retired in 1989 due to ill health. They sold their home and moved to Minot in 2008.

He was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church of Minot. He enjoyed walking, fishing and hunting.

His loving family includes , wife of fifty-nine years, Ernestine; children, Guy Ellis, Willow City, ND, Michael (Sheri) Ellis, Dassel, MN, Bradley (Kim) Ellis, Stanley, ND, Todd Ellis, Willow City, ND, Robin (Steve) Erdman, Minot, Peggy (Tom) Monaco, Fairbanks, AK; grandchildren, Jason & Brent Ellis, Kristin (Jamie) Ellis/Laducer, Steven Ellis, Rick (Amy) Ellis, Josh (Maggie) Ellis, Jennifer & Austin Ellis, Andrew, Brittany & Sierra Erdman, Kayla Watson; great-grandchildren, Emma, Jorja, and Marlee Laducer, Gage Ellis and Gavin Tobey, Anna and Layla Ellis, Kaylin and Brent Jr. Ellis, sisters, Lorraine Jones, Minot, Ardis Miller, Moore OK, Elaine Tong, Ray, ND, & Lyla Bertsch, Rolla, ND; sister-in-law Theresa Ellis, Towner, ND & brother Dorrel Ellis, Bottineau, ND.

Harlan was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lloyd & Alton, & a great-grand daughter Audrie Ellis.

Mass of Christian Burial : Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.
Visitation : Wednesday, one hour prior to the service in the Church.
Memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice Care.