JoAnn Ellingson, 69, Minot, died Wednesday, October 29, 2014 in a Minot hospital.

JoAnn was born January 18, 1945, in Stanley, ND the oldest of eleven children to Julius and Florence (St. Pierre) Bruhn. She grew up and was educated through eighth grade in Berthold, ND and finished her education as a graduate of Bishop Ryan High School of Minot in 1963.

JoAnn spent her entire life in the community of Minot. She was once married to Elton Ellingson Jr. on October 15, 1964. In her younger years she worked at Ellison's Department Store, Kmart, and Joe's Cafe. She began her employment at Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU) in the 1980's working in the accounting and dispatch departments of the company for 23 years until her retirement.

JoAnn was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church, VFW, and the American Legion Auxiliary, all of Minot. She enjoyed cooking and baking, the outdoors, music, and was especially proud of her Native American Heritage. But she was known most for the motherly role she played in her entire family. It will be her legacy. She organized large meals, referred to as feasts for family and friends that often meant a plate of goodies were to be sent home for each person in attendance. JoAnn will be missed but never forgotten by all who shared in her life.

JoAnn is survived by her companion of 31 years Ron Kolobakken, Minot and his children Brent and Brenda Kolobakken, both of Minot; children, Tony Ellingson, Minot, Sherry Meyers, Minot and Jeanie (Troy) Randash, North Judson, IN; grandchildren, Chyanee Ellingson, Alan Ellingson, Britney Ellingson, Karissa Lindstrom, Chucky Hussey, Casey Meyers and Cody Meyers, Troy Jay (Natasha) Randash and Matthew Randash; great-grandchildren, Brianna Randash and Remington Randash (January 2015); sister, Bonnie (Arley) Olson, Dickinson, ND; brothers, David (Gloria) Bruhn, Houston, TX, Gordon Bruhn, Liberal, KS, Stephen (Kathy) Bruhn, Chesterton, IN and Larry Bruhn, Minot, ND; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Also a special thank you goes out to two special nieces Angie Kraft and Michelle Klimpel.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Joyce, Julie and Mary Joan and brothers, Dennis and Gary.

Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2014 at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, ND.

Interment: St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Dunseith, ND at a later date.

Visitation: Sunday, November 2, 2014, from noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.