Ellery J. Bresnahan passed away February 14th, 2019 at his home in Casselton, ND at the age of 90. He died peacefully surrounded by family with guidance from Hospice of The Red River Valley. Ellery was born in Casselton on March 12, 1928 to George and Phila (Corcoran) Bresnahan.
Ellery had two brothers, Richard and George (his twin) and two sisters, Doherty and Pauline. They were raised in Casselton in a happy home, filled with love and laughter. Ellery graduated from Casselton High School where he excelled in athletics and was especially noted for his speed and elusiveness on the football field.
When not involved in school activities he loved hunting pheasants with his dogs and family. Upon graduation from St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN in 1950 with a degree in Business, Ellery married Jeanne Sinner on September 23, 1950. They had been friends since childhood.
Their marriage of 66 years was one of the world’s great love stories. Together they raised 8 children. In 1952, Ellery and Jeanne joined Jeanne’s brothers, Bill (Jane) and George (Janie) Sinner in a farming partnership (Sinner Bros.
& Bresnahan – SB&B). His expertise on the farm was with cattle and risk management. Ellery was an avid reader.
He loved a good novel and also read in-depth books on economics, history and theology. Ellery and Jeanne were strong believers in higher education and worked hard to provide that opportunity for their children and 31 grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoyed a nightly bourbon, golfing, hunting, lake vacations with friends and family and watching his children and grandchildren play sports.
Most of all, he loved time with his beloved Jeanne, whom he cared for selflessly, especially in her last years. In most things in life he found humor. He was blessed with a quick but gentle wit, bringing frequent laughter and smiles, but never embarrassment or pain.
Without fail he was compassionate and thoughtful of others feelings. He had a strong faith that shaped his life. He led by example.
He was generous with his finances, his time and his love. He will be especially remembered for his hospitable heart and unconditional love. Ellery is survived by his children: Joan (Steve) Lasslo, Price, UT, Mike (Gail) Bresnahan, Cornville, AZ, Tom (Roxi) Bresnahan, Casselton, ND, Katie (Mike) Bruckbauer, Fargo, ND, Mary (Mark) Franta, Winnebago, MN, Susan (Gary) Schwieters, Bismarck, ND, Teresa (Tom) Rene, Fargo, ND, Patrick (Michelle) Bresnahan, Casselton, ND; 31 grandchildren: Stephen, Tom, Maria (Joan), Leah, Tristan, Patrick (Mike), Rich, Jennifer, Casey, Chad (Tom), Kellie, Philip, Danny (Katie), Teresa, Dan, John, Joe, David, Anne (Mary), Nick, Stephanie, Michael, Ben, Anna (Susan), Katie, Jeromy, Erica, Evan (Teresa), Ellery, Kennedy, Grady (Pat); 27 great grandchildren, brother-in-law Don Tinguely (Pauline), sisters-in-law Helene Bresnahan (Richard), A. Jane Sinner (Bill), and Janie Sinner (George).
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