Clayton Edward Ellingson

Age 82, of Champlin, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025.

Preceded in death by parents, Edward & RoseAlma (Gervais) Ellingson; and siblings, Patsy Swedlund, Janice Ellingson, Christine Ellingson & Mylan Ellingson.

Survived by children, Kenneth Ellingson & Shelley (Matt) Gibbons and their mother, Margaret Ellingson; grandchildren, Ryan Ellingson, Matthew (Nicole) Gibbons, Lindsay (Tony) Mauren, & Mitchell Gibbons (Pilar Varela); great-granddaughter, Ila Gibbons; siblings, Sylvia (Jerry) Lund, Yvonne Bruett, Lowell (Sherri) Ellingson, & Stella Ellingson; and many nieces & nephews.

A man of great charm and known for his quick wit, Clayton lived life on his own terms. He loved classic cars - both attending car shows and collecting small replicas. He integrated that passion at the Ford Motor Plant where he worked for over 30 years until retirement in 1998. An avid gardener, Clayton would grow enough tomatoes to open his own supermarket. Friends, families and neighbors knew summer was here when they would leave his house with enough tomatoes to last the season. Family meant everything to Clayton and his happiest moments were spent surrounded by them - laughing, bickering and occasionally arguing about the latest political stories.

In his later years, those that visited Clayton in his home would be greeted by a cloud of cigarette smoke and a soap opera (The Bold and the Beautiful was his favorite) playing on the television at a volume that could be heard from those in neighboring cities.

While we're heartbroken to say goodbye, we're comforted in knowing that somewhere out there, he's in a garden where the tomatoes are always ripe, the coffee is always hot, and the cigarettes are always in reach.

A special thank you to the staff at Allina Home Hospice, (Dana, Kari & Mark) and J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice.

Visitation 10:00 - 11:00 am Thursday, May 22 at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home (Roseville), 2130 N. Dale St. at County Rd. B followed by a celebration of Clayton's life at 11:00 am. 

Following the interment at Elmhurst Cemetery, a luncheon will be served at Crooked Pint Ale House, 1734 Adolphus St., Maplewood, MN. Please feel free to attend all, or any, of these events.

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