Glenn Duane Ellenson

Glenn Duane Ellenson, 87, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at his home. Glenn was born on August 2, 1927 in rural Gardner, North Dakota to Alfred and Helga (Reiarson) Ellenson. He received his education in rural Gardner, North Dakota; Perley, Glyndon, Hendrum and Borup, Minnesota. Glenn enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944 and retired from the Naval Reserve as Chief Medical Corpsman on February 1, 1973. He served on various ships, air stations and as a reserve instructor. In June 1950, he married Rita Skauge. They lived in Gardner, North Dakota; Chicago, Illinois; Seattle, Washington and St. Petersburg, Florida. After his naval service during WWII and the Korean War, Glenn was employed by Midwest Veterinary Supply as a salesman, Field Sales Manager, Branch Manager, General Manager and Vice President. In 1961, he married Doris Sproul. They lived in North Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Colorado. Glenn served three terms as President of the American Veterinary Distribution Assn, as Vice President of Phoenix Pharmaceuticals and as a director of various related organizations. Glenn was a member of First Lutheran Church, where he served on the council and as council President. He was also a member of the Fleet Reserve, American Legion and the Eagles. In October of 2009, Glenn married Janice Hersch and they made their home in Detroit Lakes. Glenn was very proud of his military service. He had a great love of travel, hunting, fishing, family and life in general. He touched many lives and many hearts and will be missed by everyone. He is survived by his wife, Janice Ellenson; daughter, Denise Varriano; son, Kevin (Lori) Ellenson; his beloved family, Harold (Jeanne) Sproul, Toni (Roger) Brakke, Susan (Elwood) Johnson, Betsy (John) DeHerrera, Eugene Hersch, Val (Chris) Gerdes, Mike (Amy) Hersch, Doug (Diane) Hersch, Laurie (Joe) LeGarde, Bev Hersch (James), Lynn Hersch (Vicki);sisters, Lois Northrop of Fargo, ND and Harriet Schulenberg of Florida thirty-seven grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, wife Doris, grandson Chad Nichols, brother Hubert Ellenson, sister Holly Thoe and Rita Paulsen.