Ellen Knudsen

Ellen M. Knudsen, 79, of Fergus Falls, died December 14, 2013, at her home under the care of her family and Hospice.

She was born May 25, 1934, to Adam Charles and Emma (Ackermann) Ullrich, on their home farm, in Fairview Township, Wells County, ND, which was homesteaded by Jacob and Frances Adams Ackermann. She was baptized, received her first communion and was confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church, New Rockford, ND.

Ellen attended eight grades in the small one room rural school, Fairview Twp #1, Wells Co., ND. In 1951, she graduated from St. James Academy High School, New Rockford, ND and in 1954, she graduated from the Sisters of St. Joseph School of Nursing. She was in the largest class to graduate from the nursing school and they hold reunions every five years.

On September 3, 1955, Ellen and James Dale Knudsen were married in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Bremen, ND. In 1958 they moved from Fargo, ND to Fergus Falls, MN where Ellen worked at Lake Region Hospital as a Registered Nurse for 41 years.

She was a charter member of the MN Post Anesthesia Nurses and the American Society of Post Anesthesia Nurses. Ellen was also a long time member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, St. Clare’s Mission Group, A Center For The Arts, Health Resources, Fergus Falls Community Food Shelf, Friends of the Library and Ottertail Historical Society, all of Fergus Falls.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Jim, in 1992; her parents; siblings and their spouses, Mary (Richard) Hoeg, Henry (Pat) Ullrich, Charles Ullrich and Leona (George) Beatty; father and mother-in-law, Rudolph and Irene Knudsen; in-laws, Duane and Aileen Knudsen and Ray O’Connor and 4 nieces and nephews.

Survivors include her children, Joan (Alan) McIntosh of Woodinville, WA; Annette (Steve) Sprague of Fargo, ND, David (Diane) Knudsen of Minot, ND and Donald (Sandy Clapp) of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, James Knudsen, Matthew and Andrew Sprague, Mary, Michael and Paul McIntosh; a sister, Theresa (Milton) Martin; sisters-in-law, Ina (Jerry) Ronningen and Donna O’Connor; niece “sister” Judy (Otto) Josund and 32 nieces and nephews.

Visitation 5-7 pm Friday, with Parish Prayers at 6 pm at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church
Christian Funeral Mass 10:30 am Saturday, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy Father Alan Wielinski and Deacon Chuck Kampa
Interment St. Otto’s Catholic Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Funeral Home Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls