Peter Thane Ellingson passed away in the home that he loved with family by his side on August 14, 2023. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 13, 1940, to Elmer Torger Ellingson and Marcella Bernice (Carpenter) Ellingson. He grew up with his parents and older sister, Sallie, in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. While quite young Pete felt a burning desire to serve in the military and finally, in January of 1958, he joined the Navy where he would serve for 20 years. During his early years in the service he married Betty Rothwell and had two children, Kelly Marie and Torger Lief. They divorced and later Peter married Laura Evalin (Pepper) Medlin and gained two step-children, Brian Joseph Medlin and Laura Jeane (Seng) Medlin. They were happily married until Laura’s death in 2016.
Peter lived all over the world while serving his country. His son Torger was born in the Philippines. His last service station was Whidbey Naval Air Station on Whidbey Island in Washington State, where he would meet Laura, marry, and retire. Peter was a man of many interests. While he ended his career in the service in law enforcement, he served as a parachute rigger during most of his years in the Navy and jumping out of airplanes was not only a job, it was a passion that followed him into retirement. He and Laura owned a parachute jump school called Jump, INC. that operated out of Port Townsend, Washington as well as The Loft Restaurant in Greenbank, Washington for many years. During the years after his retirement from the military Pete also drove truck, cooked at logging camps, fished commercially for salmon with his father-in-law, George Pepper, and worked construction. During these years Pete would learn that he had a son from a relationship before his first marriage and welcomed Troy Johnson into the family.
In 2002, Pete and Laura moved from Whidbey Island, Washington, to Callaway, Nebraska, to be closer to grandchildren. Eventually three of his other children would also move to Callaway, Nebraska.
Peter was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Marcella, his dear wife Laura, his beloved son, Torger, his daughter, Kelly, and a granddaughter, Bethany Medlin.
Peter is survived by his sister, Sallie (Dennis) Tinkham of Wisconsin, Troy Johnson of Callaway, Brian Medlin of Ord, Laura (Stacey) Seng of Callaway, as well as 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Peter will be interred at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at a future date. Memorials are suggested to the Nigel Sprouse Memorial Library in Callaway, or the American Legion Post #59 in Callaway.
Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com