Ellen Tomhave

Ellen Emelia Tomhave, 103, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Friday, June 13, 2008, at the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls, where she had been a resident for many years. She was born on September 30, 1904 near Owatonna, the daughter of William and Dora (Mantei) Hunt.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and maintained a strong Christian faith throughout her life. On August 23, 1931 she married George A. Tomhave at the Trinity Lutheran Church parsonage in Fergus Falls.  Together, they farmed on the Tomhave homestead their entire married life.  Their marriage was blessed with two children, Gordon and Irene.  Her husband passed away on May 15, 1958 and Ellen then moved into Fergus Falls and began working in housekeeping at the Lake Region Hospital where she worked for many years. Ellen was an excellent homemaker and cook in spite of always saying “I don’t like to cook”.  She enjoyed her family, her work at the hospital, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, Twins baseball, embroidery, reading recipes, and being outdoors.  She was a great mom and grandmother, and will be missed by all.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; five sisters, Clara Stargel, Adeline Boom, Elsie Neuman, Dorothy Hovde, and one in infancy; two brothers, Clarence and Melvin Hunt; one grandson George C. Tomhave and a son-in-law Clifford Jones. Survivors include a son, Gordon (Geraldeane) Tomhave of Fergus Falls; a daughter, Irene Jones of Fergus Falls; five grandchildren, Rev. Gregory (Janice) Tomhave of Sauk Rapids, Gary Tomhave of Fergus Falls, Gail Buss of Alexandria, Vickie (Geoffrey) Melby, of Fergus Falls and Debra (David) Buxengard, of Grand Rapids; eight great-grandchildren, Monika (Jeremy) Lee, Megan (Travis) Johnson, Marie (Mike) Donley, Mya Tomhave, Dereck and Ryan Buss, Rachael Melby and Daniel Buxengard; seven great-great-grandchildren, Brinna and  Jacob Lee, Alyssa and Cole Johnson, Nicole, Ashlee and Mason Donley; one brother, Alfred Hunt of Wheaton, and two sisters, Lorene Howell and Doris Peery both of Wilmot, S.D. Visitation:     One hour prior to the services at the Church. Services;      1:00 pm Wednesday at the Faith Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls. Clergy:    Rev. Craig Palach Interment:     Knollwood Cemetery, Fergus Falls Arrangements: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.