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Lori Ellingson, a wonderful mother, amazing wife, loving daughter, caring sister, dedicated teacher, incredible friend, and avid golfer, peacefully passed away on August 14, 2026, at her home in Roberts, Wisconsin. Born on October 4th, 1966 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota she lived her life like a true Laura Ingalls fan by living all throughout the Midwest.
The daughter of Jon Owen Holland and Diane Lillian “Frey” Holland, Lori spent her childhood in Charter Oaks, Boone, and Thurston, finally graduating from Pender High School in 1985. Lori pursued higher education at Doane College before transferring to Wayne State College where she graduated with an Education Degree in 1989. Her desire to hone her craft as an educator led her to Bethel University where she earned a master’s degree in education in 2004.
Lori married the love of her life, Cedric, in Emerson, NE on June 20, 1987. Together they continued traversing the Midwest, first by moving to Harmony, MN where they welcomed their three children into the world, and then to Hudson, which became their home for more than 25 years.
For 33 years, Lori poured her heart and soul into teaching special education. She maintained her passion for helping children outside of the classroom by taking an active role in her own children’s Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts troops.
Golf was one of Lori’s greatest passions. She played in leagues and tournaments, and spent extra time coaching friends so they could pick up the sport as well. As newlyweds, she and Cedric often snuck to the golf course near their house whenever they had a chance, even if only to play a couple of holes.
Lori was best known for her positive outlook on life. She had a remarkable ability to uplift those around her, always seeing the best in every person and every situation.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, mother-in-law Verneal, father-in-law Glen, aunt Mary Jane, uncle Wayne, brother-in-law Ward, and sister-in-law Marie.
Her legacy of love and kindness continues through her devoted husband of 39 years, Cedric Ellingson; her three children, Bjorn, Connor, and Sigrid Ellingson; her parents, Jon and Diane; her siblings, Todd (Lisa) Holland and Jodi (Joel) Chamberlain; and her many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
In honor of Lori’s life with ALS, the family kindly requests donations be made to the ALS Association under Team Cooper/Ellingson. click here to donate to the ALS Association
Lori’s memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends, who continue to celebrate the love, laughter, and light she brought into their lives.
A Celebration of Lori’s Life was Monday, August 17, 2026 with visitation from 10 am – 12 pm followed by a service at 1 pm at Cross Lutheran Church 1246 County Road TT Roberts, WI 54023. Lori requested that this celebration be casual, please dress accordingly, no black please. Following the service the celebration continued at Tarnation Tavern 128 N Main Street River Falls, WI with food and drinks. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
24 Comments
Thinking of you Connor and your family during this difficult time
I am so sorry to hear of Lori’s passing. I know her and Dad are catching up on all that he has missed. May she be at peace and may you hold all of the wonderful and fun memories of her close to your hearts.
Cedric, Lori was a wonderful lady who could light up a room with her smile and positive outlook. She will be missed.
Condolences to Cedric and the whole family. Lori will be truly missed. Praying that the love in your hearts and the memories in your mind sustain you until you meet again.
Cedrick and family, I am so very sorry to hear about Lori. She was such a bright light in the world.ans will be missed. Thinking of you all and keeping you in my prayers
Our prayers go out to Cedric and family. Lori was a great lady. She will be greatly missed
I knew that there was a reason that I was thinking of you and so sorry to hear of your loss. ALS is a wicked disease, especially when it steals those so full of life. See you tomorrow.
Lori was a room full of happiness and positive energy! We are blessed to know her! Peace to ya.
Our daughter was so lucky to have Lori as her teacher at PHS! Her positivity and enthusiasm were contagious! Our condolences to all of you.
As a classmate & neighbor, growing up in Boone, Lori was always a bright, kind presence. My deepest sympathy to her family
I am so sorry to hear about Lori’s passing away. My sincere condolences and prayers as you all face the days ahead without her. May God walk beside you and give you strength and peace.
Cedric and family,
I lost my husband to ALS. I have walked the path of ups and downs as you all have. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort with the memories of her life.
Jon and Diane…..SO SORRY…You can be so proud of all she has done for others and added to your family joys too.
My sympathies to Lori’s family and friends. I was a grade school friend back in Charter Oak.
Goodbye, Mrs. Ellingson. You went to bat for me through a lot during high school, and you’ll always be part of the stories I tell my child about growing up. I’m grateful you were there when I needed someone in my corner. Rest in peace.
My sincere condolences Cedric and family. Peace to everyone missing Lori. I only shared a couple interactions but I recall a sharp sense of humor and her joyful light.
My deepest sympathy to Cedric, Bjorn, Conner and Sigrid. We are just devastated. It’s been a while since we’ve ran into you and your family. Over the years, we shared a lot of laughs. Lori was so encouraging, as we both worked with special education students. I believe she worked way above and beyond .What an honor it is to know how much she has given inspiration to her students and hope. We always saw her with a smile on her face and a huge hug. Wonderful mother and partner in your life Cedric. Sending hugs and love,..Lori & Dean Opelt.
Lori was a beautiful person. Her laughter, light and joy for life were a gift to those who were lucky enough to know her. Prayers for her family. Rest in peace Lori.
Lori always had a smile on her face and it was infectious!! She made everyone around her smile, laugh and love. She loved her life, teaching, family and friends. No matter the obstacles that were thrown at her, she overcame and fought through them with a smile.
Kindred spirits, best friends, we adopted each other as “sisters, family from different parents”. I will miss Lori terribly, but I know she is smiling down on us and is happy we are all celebrating how she has touched each and every one of us. To Lori, I love you forever dear friend. Cheers!!
I was so very lucky to have called Lori friend and be a small part of her life! She always lit up a room with her glow and smile., she made golf so much more fun! Ray and I send our heart felt condolences to Cedric and family!
Jenny and Ray Baumgartner
Lori was so special and unique. She could recognize it in others and make them feel good about their uniqueness, as well. She made me feel special. She made me feel loved and accepted when I felt others didn’t. Thank you for sharing your love, Lori! Thank you for making this world a better place! I will continue to be weird and embrace it in others.
We are so very sorry to hear of Lori’s passing. Our deepest condolences to the whole family.
My heart goes out to you Jon and Diane. Feeling your pain as we lost Tami at age 57 last year for no reason. She was born 1968.
Its not suppose to happen!
I’m so sorry to hear of your daugthter’s passing. Prayer and condolences to all family and friends of Lori.
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