Ellingson, Richard D. JD, CLU 1926-2012

ELLINGSON, RASCK, JOHNSON, NICHOLSON, LERIGERS, CHAVEZ, LANDERS, MEYER

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/22/2018 at 10:00:34

Richard D. Ellingson JD, CLU
1926 - 2012
Urbandale

Richard D. Ellingson died Monday, September 10, 2012 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, following Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 14, at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, of which he was a member. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church.

Richard was born August 23, 1926, in Des Moines, the son of Edward Leonard and Eleda Nora (Rasck) Ellingson. He grew up in Des Moines and attended Kirkwood Kindergarten and Elementary School, Washington Irving Jr. High, graduating from North High School in June 1944 during which time he played clarinet and alto saxophone in the band and orchestra. He thoroughly enjoyed bike riding during his youth.

After graduation Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a radarman third class on the USS Tryon (a hospital ship in the pacific). Richard received an honorable discharge June 23, 1946. Thereafter, Richard attended Drake University with the G. I. Bill; also playing in jazz bands, selling real estate and driving a taxi.

Richard married Chloris Lucille Johnson September 1, 1949. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Drake University in 1951. Richard stayed active in the Iowa State Bar Association with interest in taxation, probate and trust laws and business law section. He attended "tax schools" through the years. Richard entered the life insurance industry - received a diploma in agency management from the College of Life Underwriters after which he received Charter Life Underwriters (CLU) Diploma.

Richard was manager of the Connecticut General Life Insurance Agency in San Jose, California 1958 thru 1969. He was active and president of "The Optimist Club" for wayward and underprivileged boys. Richard was transferred to Des Moines in August of 1969, subsequently he became the General Agent for General American Life Insurance Company. Richard's strength during his professional career was his technical knowledge and legal background. He also owned and managed apartment buildings.

Richard was active in both Des Moines Chapter of the American Society of CLU (Chartered Life Underwriters) and CHFC(Chartered Financial Consultant); also the Des Moines Association of Life Underwriters. He was past President of Des Moines General Agents and Managers Association, the Des Moines Estate Planning Council and Central Iowa Chapter of the International Association for Financial Planning.

Richard and Chloris traveled geographically throughout the United States and other countries during his professional career. Richard was always appreciative of Chloris' enthusiastic support during his career. They entertained business clients, agency staff, church groups and friends. They enjoyed potluck bridge dinners, symphony, jazz concerts, community playhouse and the many activities of their four sons - a full and wonderful life.

Richard's legacy: 4 sons and families for whom he is so very thankful and proud.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Robert R. Ellingson. Survivors include his wife, Chloris, Sons: Larry Duane (Sue) Ellingson of Iowa City, Lee Edward (Chele) Ellingson of Omaha, Kevin Charles Ellingson of Waukee, and Kyle Richard (Lori) Ellingson of West Des Moines; eight grandchildren, Brandi Nicholson, Michelle Lerigers, Jaclyn Chavez, Daniel Ellingson, Tiffany Landers, Timothy Ellingson, Emily and Austin Ellingson; step grandchildren, Paige and Ross Meyer; seven great grandchildren, Lucille, Jeremiah, Samantha and Matthew Nicholson, Avian Landers, Henry Lerigers, and John Chavez; and his brother, Don Edward Ellingson of West Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be made to Plymouth Church, the Reserve on Walnut Creek (Richard and Chloris' home) or to the Alzheimer's Association. ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register Wed 12 Sept 2012.