Eileen C. Ellingboe

Eileen Carol Stella (Reinke) Ellingboe, of Shakopee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the age of 88.

A Christian Funeral will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, at Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church (12700 Marystown Road, Shakopee). Pastor John Stelljes will preside, and pallbearers will be Eileen’s grandchildren: Christopher, Meghan, Zach, Dylan, Brandon and Kylen. Eileen will be laid to rest at Spirit Hill Cemetery in Jordan at 2:00 PM.

Born the oldest of two daughters to Charles and Stella Reinke, Eileen grew up in Jordan alongside her younger sister, Joan. She was baptized on August 14, 1938, confirmed on May 4, 1952, and graduated from Jordan High School in 1956. Following graduation, she worked at Cargill before dedicating her life to caring for her family as a full-time homemaker.

Eileen met the love of her life, Richard, at a wedding reception. After knowing each other for just ten days, he proposed, and they were united in marriage on August 27, 1966, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Jordan. They settled in Shakopee that same year, where they made their lifelong home and raised their family.

A woman of warmth, kindness, and incredible work ethic, Eileen poured her heart into her family and home. She spent weekends working on the family farm, tending a large vegetable garden, and growing beautiful flowers outdoors. She was an exceptional cook known for her homemade chili and cookies, a talented knitter, and spent days in the kitchen every fall canning pickles with her sister.

Eileen loved social gatherings, dancing, traveling—especially to Branson, the Black Hills, and Canada—and keeping up with family and friends over long phone calls. She was a gentle, friendly soul who delighted in watching Wheel of Fortune every day. But her greatest joy was hosting family gatherings in a house full of love. She cherished her role as a grandmother and adored being called "Grandma Greats" by her great-grandchildren.

Eileen is survived by her sons, Allen (Robin) Ellingboe, Mark (Leah) Ellingboe, and Kevin (Michelle) Ellingboe; her grandchildren, Christopher (Michelle), Meghan (Grant), McKenzie (Sean), Shanley (Daniel), Tyler (Taelor), Lexie (Zach), Dylan, Brandon, Kylen, and Reese; 12 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Joan Frey.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Ellingboe; her parents, Charles & Stella Reinke; and her brother-in-law, Norman Frey.