Dr. William "Bill" Arthur Ellingson PHD

Bill was a proud alumnus of Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. He earned an undergraduate degree in Aeronautical engineering. He was hired by Boeing in Seattle. After 3 years at Boeing he returned to Iowa State to earn a masters' and doctorate in Mechanical Engineering and Physics. After serving as a professor at Iowa State he was hired by Argonne National Laboratories in Chicago area. Bill was sent by Argonne to work on projects all over the world. He was one of the scientists who helped solve the Columbia re-entry accident for NASA. He worked on the development of the MRI scan. He did research for US Military equipment and installations. Bill holds patents in X-ray CT, infra-red imaging, and ceramics. He lectured at international conferences in Europe & Asia.

Bill was born in the small town of PopeJoy, Iowa. He was the younger (adored) brother of two sisters. He attended a one-room school through fifth grade. When he was in 9th grade his family relocated to a nearby town. Bill was a good baseball pitcher and the principal convinced him to stay on with his grandparents & go to school in Alden. He lived there during his 9th & 10th grades, helping on the farm and participating in school activities and sports.

He was lucky to be mentored by several neighbors in his small town. His interest in building things was encouraged by the local hardware store owner, the local blacksmith, the pharmacist. He built simple engines, helped install boat and airplane engines, built model planes to fly all in his early teens. He continued to play baseball in a semi-pro league into his college years. He wasn't allowed to be paid for play so they had to pick up trash under the bleachers after the games so he could earn some cash.

Bill's family could not help with college costs so he worked in dorm kitchens for his meals. He was a pitcher on Iowa State baseball team. After his freshman year he ran out of funds and took the next year off to work.

Bill enjoyed live entertainment, especially stage plays. He loved babies and young children and could make up games and stories for them. His granddaugher said that they looked forward to his fantastic stories.

Bill is survived by two daughters, Mary K(Craig) Van Antwerp and Anne(Miron) Marcotte. Three grandchildren, Leah (Lauren) Van Antwerp, Matthew Van Antwerp, and Nicole Marcotte. His wife, Carol Whitlock Ellingson and her loving family and sister Marilyn Hodapp of Colorado. He is predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Mary Leonard Ellingson, his parents, Floyd & Avon Ellingson.

Bill was a faithful member of Geist Christian Church in Indianapolis. Service to celebrate his life will be held at the Church which is located on Mud Creek Road and 86th Street on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Calling will begin at 10am, Celebration of life at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bill's name to the church.