In loving memory of

Bernard "Bear" Ellringer
October 4, 1924 - November 3, 2018

Elba, Minn: Bernard "Bear" Ellringer, passed away on November 3, 2018 at Parkside Elder Care, Plainview, MN of natural causes at the age of 94. Bear was born the sixth child (of 8) to Gertrude (Burbach) and Michael Ellringer on October 4, 1924 at home in Elba, MN, where he resided his entire life.
Bear honorably served in the Army during WWII and was proud of the fact that all of the 5 brothers served in the military together at the same time.
After returning home from the war, he married Elaine Majerus on May 28, 1949 and they were later divorced.
Bear worked in farming, owned his own trucking company and body shop businesses, before accepting a position with the State of Minnesota DNR. He retired in 1988 after 25 years of service.
Bear was the father of Lynda (Wayne) Kroening, Marilyn Ellringer, Pat (Patty) Ellringer, Dale Ellringer, Michael Ellringer and Gina (Rick) Jones. Bear has 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He also has a cat, Punkin.
Bear is preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers, (Sy, Ken, Bob, and Wayne), 3 sisters (Mildred, Sylvia and Rita) and one son Michael.
Bear will be buried at the St. Aloysius Cemetery in Elba, Minnesota.
Bear was well known in the surrounding area of Elba as a man of many talents with rough edges. It was Bear's way or the highway. He loved the outdoors, wildlife, mowing, snowplowing, helping others and always kept busy. He enjoyed going out for his drives in his pickup truck every day but had to be sure to be home for his favorite show, "Wheel of Fortune".
Bear resided at the Parkside Elder Care for the past 4 months. Many thanks to Theresa and Jim Lewis, and their staff for providing such excellent care during his stay there.
A special thank you to his nephew, Steve Ellringer, along with his friends and family for all their help and companionship during his last years of life.
He will be missed by many.
A Celebration of Life may be announced later.
Hoff Funeral and Cremation Services, St. Charles, MN, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Tributes

Sue and Bill Macey wrote on Nov 19, 2018:

"We recently heard about Bear's passing. Rest in peace Bear. We will miss you. We use to stop by his house about every day on our walks. Toby would start barking as we approached Bear's house. You see, Sue had started giving Toby a couple of Milk Bones when she walked by Bear's house. Toby REALLY liked milk bones. We would also chat with Bear when he stopped in his truck while we were working in the yard, working the flower beds or walking. After Toby passed, we use to just stop in and chat with on Bear on occasion. Bear was a fixture in Elba Elba will never be the same now that Bear is no longer there. Sue and Bill Macey"

Shelly Smith wrote on Nov 13, 2018:

"Bear was one of a kind in Elba & will be missed. I remember when he was 90 & I seen in the paper to call or send him a card. I send him a military bumper stickers and card. May his memories live in your heart forever he will be missed in Elba I know my whole family knew him well & enjoyed him. Many fond memories of him and his son Mike as well. Sorry for your loss."

Fred and Shirley Carlson wrote on Nov 10, 2018:

"Rest in peace, Bear. Our thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Sorry we weren't able to attend, being in AZ for the winter. He was a good guy, he'll be missed. We always think about him and his blue pickup, getting stuck behind him on the way to St. Charles! Elba will never be the same. "

Tami Speltz wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"To Bears family my thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. Bear was one of my weekly visits and we always enjoyed this time for a visit. I never knew what bear was thinking or what might his day outdoors bring, he loved to just wonder to look for wildlife. He loved spring to check out all the new young wildlife. Many of story?s he had. Rest In Peace Bear! You where a unique individual and glad I met you."

Patti Rice wrote on Nov 6, 2018:

"Dear Ellringer Family, Bear Ellringer " One of a kind"!!! He had a piercing look, and the strongest working hands ever!! I am sorry for your loss...Sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you... much love, Patti Rice"

Mardy Midler wrote on Nov 6, 2018:

"My sympathy and prayers to Bear's family. May God give you comfort!"

Julie Nelson wrote on Nov 5, 2018:

"My deepest condolences to Bears family. He will be missed by many. RIP Bear, love your 'rodeo girl'."

Angela Schultz ( Ellringer) wrote on Nov 5, 2018:

"Uncle Bear was one of a kind!!! I will miss him dearly! My deepest condolences to the Ellringer family. "

Emily Graves wrote on Nov 5, 2018:

"I remember that Bear would keep photo albums of his birthday parties. He would show it off every year. I also remember that a few days ago we were looking at family photos and found a picture of Bear sitting on a tombstone at Russel's burial in 2013. Bear will always be missed."

Chris Graves wrote on Nov 5, 2018:

"I'd be junking something I'd see that blue dodge dakota stop in the road.The window would roll down. "What the hell are you doing?" bear would yell.Then he'd let out a laugh. I sure do miss that. We all need someone to check up on us. "

Bill Eckles wrote on Nov 5, 2018:

"To the entire Ellringer family, Please accept my condolences and sympathy on the loss of "Bear" I had lots of visits with him at the Kwik Trip in St. Charles. I always enjoyed talking with him. May God bring you all closer during this time of sorrow."

Terri Heim wrote on Nov 5, 2018:

"My sincere sympathies to the Ellringer families. Bear was one in a million.. memories of Bear and "Bear" stories will forever bring a smile. Bear enjoyed his drives but it wasn't fun to have to follow him.. at 25mph. :) Oh Bear you will be remembered and missed! "