Robert Charles Ellsworth

Robert Charles Ellsworth, 87, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at his son's home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Robert was born on February 23, 1927 the son of Charles and Clara (Ruetten) Ellsworth in Rochester, Minnesota. He was raised and educated in St. Paul, Minnesota, graduating from Cretin High School in 1945. Robert served in the United States Army Air Corps, United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He landed on the Inchon Port on September 21, 1950 and was wounded at the Chosin Reservoir on November 3, 1950, receiving a Purple Heart. Robert received an honorable discharge in 1951. He was united in marriage to Joan Madline on August 5, 1950 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. They lived in the Twin Cities, Chicago and then moved to Springfield, Illinois where Robert worked as the Director of Tourism and Economic Development. When they moved to Audubon, Minnesota, Robert also accepted the same position for the State of Minnesota in 1971. In 1972, Joan and Robert started Green Hill Farms Jams and Jellies. They continued to operate the business until their retirement in 1996. Robert was proud of his military service. He was the founding father of the Lloyd Beck Chapter 745 Military Order of the Purple Heart. Robert enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed. Robert is survived by his; three sons, John (Joyce) Ellsworth of Coon Rapids, MN; David (Anne) Ellsworth of Wauwatosa, WI, Richard (Kim) Ellsworth of Audubon, MN; daughter, Christine Ellsworth of Wyndmere, ND; twelve grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; brother, Richard (Millie) Ellsworth of Burnsville, MN; nephew, Jeffrey Ellsworth. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Joan (2004).