Ellen Wirkkunen

Ellen Wirkkunen

July 08, 1923 - July 16, 2016

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Obituary

Ellen A. Wirkkunen, 93, Jamestown, ND originally from Gackle, ND died Saturday July 16, 2016 at the Jamestown Regional Medical Center.

Ellen Niskanen was born July 8, 1923 at Gackle, ND, the daughter of Charles and Hilda (Saarie) Niskanen. She attended and graduated from Gackle High School in 1941.

Ellen and Irving Wirkkunen were married June 4, 1944 at her parent's home. They made their home on the Wirkkunen farm. In 1956 they moved to a farm just SE of Gackle where they resided until moving into Gackle in 1995 where they have continued to reside. Following the death of her husband in February 2006 she continued to live in Gackle until the fall when she moved to an apartment in Jamestown.

She was a member of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Jamestown

She is survived by his 3 children, Judy Orvik, Casselton, ND, Diane (Michael) Schindeldecker, New Praque, MN, Les (Rose) Wirkkunen, Germantown, MD,

4 grandchildren, Richard Orvik, Catherine Orvik, both of Fargo, ND, Shane (Tracie) Hofmann, Shakopee, MN, Christian Ends, Germantown, MD;

2 great grandchildren, Tenley and Kayden Hofmann, Shakopee, MN;

5 step grandchildren, Jackie (William) Yu, Ben (Rhonda) Reyes, Christina (Christopher) Nundahl, Stephanie (Justin) Tatge, and Mike Schindeldecker;

9 step great-grandchildren, Ciana, Jayden, Kaelyn, Nathan Yu; Jordan and Ryan Jensen; Donavan Reyes; Hailey Theilbar and Cooper Nundahl;

1 great-granddaughter;

2 brothers and 1 sister, Clarence (Monica) Niskanen, Seattle, WA; Maynard (Gen) Niskanen, West Fargo, ND, and Lila Geiszler, Seattle, WA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and 3 brothers, Ray, Norman and Willard, 1 son-in-law, John Orvik.

Memorial Service - 11:00 AM Wednesday July 20, 2016 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Jamestown, ND, with Pastor Joel Winckler, officiating

Burial - Saarie Cemetery, south of Gackle, ND

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Ellen
LE
Lawrence and Mary Escamilla
Other •
Dear Leslie & Rose and family; Judy, Catherine, and family; Diane and family: Please accept Mary's and my most sincere sympathy on the passing of your beloved mother, Ellen. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with all your family during this sad time. The passing of a parent is always difficult, no matter of our age. We pray that God will bless each of you with strength and comfort in life's journey ahead, knowing that the Spirit of Ellen's Love will always be with you. Les, we remember how dearly mom and dad spoke of their visit with your mom, and Judy, and all your family. Mom was fond that she and your mom shared the same birthdate of June 8th , although 3-yrs. later in 1926. Mary and I and our kids still fondly re-collect the wonderful time spent with your niece Catherine during her visit to Guam. God bless your lovely family. Affectionately family, Mary, Larry, and kids (AJ, Patrick, Andrew, Gemma, and Giana)
GM
Gloria Geiszler Magdefrau
Other •
Ellen was such a kind and loving lady. I took her position at the school in Gackle and she was always there to answers my questions. we became friends and I always looked up to her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
DZ
Deb & Troy Zillmer
Other •
We are so sorry for your loss. Ellen was such a wonderful lady and will be missed. God Bless.
CD
Central Valley Health District
Other •
Central Valley Health District has sent an Expressions of Sympathy card.
BS
Beth Schwartz
Other •
My deepest sympathies to all. Ellen was a wonderful lady and I am so blessed to have her be a part of my family!
DR
Darla Reed
Other •
What a wonderful and kind woman we have lost! She was a substitute Mother while I was in school; who then became a dear friend. I feel blessed to have shared Ellen's life and she will be deeply missed. My sincere sympathy to the family.

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