Elisa Bellanger

Elisa Bellanger, age 80, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.
Elisa was born on January 13, 1945, in Madera, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Francisco and Rafaela (Dominguez) Hernandez. She began her education in Madera and continued through the eighth grade in Durango. At the age of 15, Elisa immigrated to the United States, settling in Baja, CA. After graduating from Ben Franklin High School, she met the love of her life, Delos Bellanger and they were married on August 24, 1963, in the "Little White Chapel" in Las Vegas, NV. They spent their first years in California before moving back to Delos' hometown of Mahnomen in 1967. As a young wife and mother, Elisa worked at the Ben Franklin dime store and later at the Register of Deeds office at the Mahnomen County Courthouse. After the family moved to Winger, MN, she began her lifelong career in nursing. Elisa first served as a nurse's aide at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile, MN, and at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, MN. Inspired by her passion for caring for others, she pursued further education, earning her LPN degree. She continued to work at Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home until she and Delos moved to Beaulieu, MN, near Mahnomen, at which time she continued her career at the Fosston Nursing Home until her retirement. Always one to stay active and engaged, she later worked as a promotional representative at the Shooting Star Casino. Following Delos' passing in 2007, Elisa continued living at home in Beaulieu. After bravely and proudly surviving cancer, she faced additional health challenges, including a serious accident and then a stroke, which ultimately led to her move to the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.
Elisa's dedication to caring for others extended well beyond her professional life. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved nothing more than spending time with her family. A faithful member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, she served actively with the Ladies Aid. She generously volunteered with the church, within the community, and helping her family wherever she was needed. She also found joy in music and dancing-especially Polka-and was a proud five-year champion in the Ladies Bowling League.
In her quieter moments, Elisa enjoyed knitting, cross-stitching, and reading. She had a special fondness for watching hummingbirds and took pleasure in the beauty of flowers. Elisa will be remembered for her generous spirit, tireless work ethic, and the deep love she had for her family and community. Her legacy of care, compassion, and joy lives on in all who knew and loved her.
Elisa is survived by three children, Delallen (Tammy), Frank, and Shawn (Juan); 15 grandchildren: Tasha, Beau, Kory, Cole, Cady, Alicia, Annabelle, Antonio, Angela, Alex, Phoenix, Danika, Erika, Furious, and Jax.; 15 great grandchildren; her sister, Hortencia "Tencha" and one brother, Fransico "Qiqo." She is also survived by her half-sisters, Margarita "Mague" and Sara; and half-brother, David "Chuy". She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Delos; and one son, Erik; and one brother, Maurilio "Lilo" Hernandez.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.