Ellis Clinton Krogsgaard, 97, of Regina, ran into the arms of Jesus on Monday, November 14, 2022. “Ellie” was born on a farm north of Ogema, Saskatchewan on March 7, 1925. He was predeceased by his wife and sweetheart of 45 years, Evelyn Mary (Taylor); parents, Harold and Martha (Arneson); brother, John Malm and sisters-in-law, Ina (Johnson) and Jean (Osaka); sister and brother-in-law, Carole (Straker) and Bernard; sister-in-law, Mae (Ewing); brothers-in-law, George Elford, Elford Bell and Wilf Smith.
Ellis is survived by his children, daughter-Wendy (Bill) Ulrich with three grandchildren, Erica (Eric) Bailey, Travis (Joanna Herbage), Erin; five great-grandchildren, Haaken, Liam, Gemma (Jonas), Andrew and Kristian; son-David; son-Richard (Sue) with four grandchildren, Aaron (Lorraine), Tori (Sharon), Tim (Krista), Tiffany (Layne); ten great-grandchildren, Jonas, Max, Finn, Ivy, Anders, Noah, Rosy, Dierks, Chet and Daisy; son-Bernard (Alicia) with three grandchildren, Kresten (Starlet), Ashley (Barry), Logan (Kaitlyn); two great-grandsons, Oliver and Keplar. He is also survived by one brother, Bordy; three sisters, Eloise, Ruby and Sharon (Rob), along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Ellis walked in close relationship with his Saviour, reflecting the character of Jesus. He was a life-time teacher, song leader and elder with the Regina (Glen Elm) Church of Christ. In 1943, he began his 37-year teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse, Albert Springs. He went on to teach in Ogema, Radville (where he built the family’s first home), Ceylon and Pangman. After moving to Regina in 1964, he taught various subjects, including wood-working and English, concluding his professional years as Head of the English Department at Central Collegiate. Ellis took an early retirement to lovingly care for his ailing wife, Evelyn, for ten years. Ellie’s guitar playing and distinctive tenor voice highlighted various Tommy Douglas political events and many a family “pickin’n grinnin”. As his arthritic fingers began to limit his ability to strum his 80-year old Gibson, he often opted to select one of his seven harmonicas and stomped out a lively tune, to the delight of his listeners! Of the many talents that Ellis developed, he was happiest in his carpentry workshop, with every tool and machine strategically placed and immaculately maintained. He blessed the church and many family, friends and neighbours with his intricate handiwork. In his later years, Ellis was able to stay in his home, keeping busy with church bulletin edits, crosswords puzzles, competitive games of cribbage, as well as tutoring struggling college students with their essays. He forever had his red pen at hand to edit the newspaper or whatever his eyes found to read. His understanding of the English language was extensive; how it grieved him to see his beloved formal English become extinct, leaving colloquialisms to become the norm. Ellis’ greatest joy was his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as all those who lovingly called him Grandpa and Uncle Ellie.
Grandpa Ellis’ last few years were wrought with mobility issues that confined him to his wheelchair. Rarely did a complaint or bemoaning pass his lips. A champion of determination, he forced himself to walk the length of his house several times a day; he even ventured out to his beloved workshop on occasion. His children worked together to make it possible for Dad to stay in his home as long as possible, until his care required the expertise of the caregivers at Selo Gardens; there, he joyfully lived and flourished for the last eight months. The family wishes to thank Lorelei Fletcher and the competent workers at Selo for their care and compassion; Grandpa was loved and respected, being treated with dignity and courtesy there. “Grandpa, your presence will be deeply missed among us. Heaven was made a bit sweeter with your arrival. How that glint in your eye must sparkle as you unite with your Master, your sweetheart and all those you have longed to see! Until we meet again. Thank you for the legacy you have left. We love you.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Regina at the Glen Elm Church of Christ.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: Victoria Avenue Funeral
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