Established on 06.18.2020 by Norman J. '56 and Amy D. Ellingson

Norman Ellingson was born in Breckenridge, MN, and lived there until high school when his family moved to a farm outside of town. Forever a farmer at heart, Norman has stayed connected to the farm his whole life. As a first-generation college student, Concordia College was selected for him by his father and his minister and he started in the fall of 1952. It was his love of music, combined with playing first chair clarinet and serving as president of the Concordia Concert Band that he credits for completing his four years of college. Norman graduated in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in history. As a highly involved student, Norman also participated in intramural sports, The Concordia Band, Dorm Council, Ski Club, Senate, and Mondamin, a social society on campus. Only later in life did Norman realize the sacrifice his parents made to send him and his two sisters to Concordia. He is eternally proud to be the son of Olaf and Helen Ellingson.

It was at Concordia that he met his first wife, Donna Maristuen, Class of 1956. After graduation they made their way to Colstrip, MT, where Norman “taught 7th and 8th grade everything” and became deeply involved in the school and community, starting Colstrip’s first band, driving bus, running the projector for the town’s movie night, and was a first responder for the local ambulance crew.

During 1958, Norman and Donna moved closer to home, where he began teaching at Central High School (CHS) in Crookston, MN.  With the encouragement from his superintendent, Norman’s career path led him to guidance counseling. He worked as the junior high guidance counselor from 1963 – 1966, after which he transitioned to the high school, where he remained for the rest of his 34-year career.

Following the early passing of Donna, Norman was blessed to meet Amy Johnson, an English teacher at CHS. A native of Humboldt, MN, and graduate of Hallock High School and Moorhead State University, their rural roots, deep and abiding faith, and love of education made them a great match. Their marriage in 1971 began a life together which has been dedicated to faith and family.

Norman and Amy have also been deeply involved in their communities during their professional lives and well into their retirement years. Norman served as director of the National Honor Society, president of the Western Division of the Minnesota Education Association, deacon at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, and on the board of the Lake Agassiz Regional Library. Music remains a common thread throughout Norman’s life. He directed the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church for 10 years, played clarinet in the Ninth District Legion Band for over 50 years, and still plays piano and sings when the mood strikes him. Forever an avid reader, his favorite subjects are religion and history. During her 32-year teaching career Amy taught writing, literature, humanities, and mythology. She founded and coached the Treasurettes Dance Team at CHS, coached speech, served as president of the local teachers’ association (serving as delegate to state and national conventions), and is a past president of the Crookston Friends of the Library. In retirement, Amy remains active in Trinity Lutheran Church and is a charter member the Pirate Fine Arts Boosters.

Their greatest joy has always come from their family. Norman and Amy are proud to have passed their values on to their children Margaret ’79, Michael, Erik, and Hussein, an exchange student from Lebanon they consider to be one of their own. When thinking of Norman, his children reflect on his deep faith, his love for his family, his moral compass, a strong connection to music and service, and his pride in his Norwegian heritage.

Norman and Amy feel privileged to have spent so many years teaching and working with the young people of the Crookston Community. Their love of learning is the reason for creating the Norman J. ’56 and Amy D. Ellingson Endowed Scholarship which will support Concordia students committed to faith, community, education, and service.

The Norman '56 and Amy Ellingson Endowed Scholarship is awarded by the Office of Financial Aid to students majoring or minoring in education, sociology, social work, or religion, with preference given to students who have strong leadership skills or those planning a career in community service.