Ellen Andersen

Ellen Andersen, 86, formerly of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at The Meadows on University in Fargo, ND.

Ellen Louise was born October 6, 1937, daughter of Hallace and Mildred (Carter) Merkins in Ada, MN. She attended country school, Ada Elementary and Ada High School, graduating in 1955. Ellen graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1958 from Moorhead State College for Teachers. Following graduation, she began her teaching career. The majority of her teaching years were at McKinley Elementary School in Fergus Falls in the second-grade classroom. She retired from teaching in 1991. 

On June 22, 1963, Ellen married David Vedder in Ada. She married Marvin Andersen on July 13, 1986, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

Ellen was a member of Eagles Aux 2339 for 40 years, served as President in 1989, 1990, 2000, 2007 and 2008. She enjoyed playing bingo, dancing, singing, baking banana bread, making her Special K Bars and traveling with the Wee Willie Polka Band.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Hallace and Mildred Merkins; and husbands, David Vedder and Marvin Andersen.

Ellen is survived by her children, Michael (Angel) Vedder, Vonette Swenson, Sharon Stras, Georgianna (Jim) Jacobson, Ginger (Mark) Newborg Asleson, Virgil (Jani) Newborg, Beth (Tom) Bethkey, Jason (Mary) Andersen and Brooks (Pam) Andersen; grandchildren, Carleigh Vedder, Sydney Vedder; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

 Clergy: Reverend Kevin Patch

 Interment: Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Fergus Falls.

 Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, MN.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com