Donald F. Ellingson 96, of Poplar Grove, IL passed away December, 8, 2020 at home surrounded by family. He was born April, 18, 1924 in Poplar Grove, IL, the son of Ernie and Fern (Flemming) Ellingson. Donald was a 1941 graduate of Belvidere High School and was a lifelong dairy farmer. Donald married the love of his life Genevieve Voorhies on June 22, 1946 at Poplar Grove United Methodist Church.Don was the first president of the Belvidere FFA in 1941. He won the county's first Outstanding Young Farmer award and served many years on numerous dairy promotionaland cooperative boards. He was on the school boardwhen Poplar Grove began teaching Kindergarten. He also served on the board of the Poplar Grove United Methodist Church. Don helped start the Little League in North Boone. He was presidentof the FarmBureau. He andGenevieve were parade marshals for the Poplar Grove Sesquicentennial. He wrote history books for his family and also for the Holstein breed. He was very involved with the Holstein Club. Don worked hard to turn Illinois into a national power in the Dairy Quiz Bowl competition. In 1986, he coached Illinois' first national champion team. Two years later, he coached five of his grandchildren to compete at nationals in San Diego. Don was a 4-H leader and he loved the Boone County Fair. He was very proud that he never missed a fair and that his family competed at Boone County for 100 consecutive years.Don made his spiritual home at Poplar Grove United Methodist Church. He will be missed by all.

Don is loved and missed by his loving wife, Genevieve; children, Robert (Sandra Brockmann) Ellingson, Terry (Kay) Ellingson, Denny (Janet) Ellingson, William (Wendy) Ellingson; grandchildren, John (Toni) Ellingson, Brian (Renee) Ellingson, Michael (Mary) Ellingson, Rebecca Ellingson Wydra, Ted (Lara) Ellingson, Steve (Natalie) Ellingson, Matt Ellingson as well as 15 great-grandchildren. Don is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lt. Joelbert Ellingson who was killed in WWII.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to OSF Hospice, especially Mary and Kim, for their unending love and support.

The walk-through visitation will be held 2:00 pm till 5:00 pm, Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Poplar Grove United Methodist Church, 105 E Grove St, Poplar Grove, IL 61065.  Social distancing and facemasks required. Funeral services will be private and officiated by Rev. Darren Loeppky and Patrick Anderson. Memorials in Don's honor can be given to Poplar Grove United Methodist Church or the Boone County 4-H.  Burial in Poplar Grove Cemetery. To light a candle or share a condolence please visit www.AndersonFCS.com