John Ellison

John W. Ellison, 79, of Mandan, passed away November 27, 2019 in a Bismarck Care Center.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at Legacy United Methodist Church, Bismarck, ND with Pastor Andy Early as officiant. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Cremation has taken place.  Family will be receiving friends and family at the church one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

John was born on February 11, 1940 to John and Josephine (Watson) Ellison in Bismarck, ND.    He was raised on the family farm in Huff, ND.  When he was 10 years old, his dad passed away and the family moved to Mandan where later he attended Mandan High School.

Proudly he served his country joining the National Guard and being and honorary highway patrol; and he joined the United States Air Force in 1960 and was stationed in England serving until 1964.  Soon after returning home he married Fran Witkowski on July 18, 1964.

He owned Bismarck Optical until 2003 and merged with Dr Nordstrom.

John enjoyed his dogs and cats.  He always looked forward to spring and summer so he could plant vegetables and wash his little red car.  A devoted Minnesota Vikings fan he was, and his family knew not to call during the game.  After the game, he and Lee would talk on the phone about the game.

When John got sick, hospice came to visit him and he said, what he enjoyed most was being with his family.  He will be dearly missed by his loving family.

John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Fran, of Mandan; two sons, Lee (Leslye) Ellison of Bismarck and Scott (Gaby) Ellison of Bismarck; 4 grandchildren, John (Fiancée, Chelsea Dykema), David, Drew, and Trace; one sister, Ally Mae Addington, Mesa, AZ; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Please go to his Tribute Wall to sign the guestbook and share memories with his family.