Ellen Marie Albertson (nee Midthun)

Age 88, of Stillwater, MN.

Ellen Marie Albertson, an enthusiastic Norwegian/Icelander, was born in Valley City, ND to Newton and Astrid (Thorgrimsen) Midthun. She graduated Salutatorian from Pelican Rapids MN High School and then Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis as a registered nurse. She met Howard Albertson after she moved to Stillwater to be a nurse at Lakeview Hospital, and they married shortly after. Ellen and Howard made their home in Stillwater, MN until his death after 52 years of marriage. 

Ellen continued her career as a registered nurse in Stillwater until her retirement in 1998. She was also active in the community as a volunteer for many organizations including Lakeview Hospital Auxiliary, Girl Scouts of the St. Croix Valley, Valley Outreach, her church, and others. Ellen sang in her church choir and played bridge with the same group of active women for over 50 years. Within the community, she was known for her generosity, especially with a hot dish, soup, bars, or whatever was needed when someone was ailing or grieving. Ellen loved time with her family, traveling, and solving word and trivia puzzles. She maintained her sense of humor and sharp wit until her last days with family at her side playing Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Ellen died after a brief illness on June 20, 2024. She is survived by daughters Martha Albertson; Sarah Foslien and her husband Floyd; and Laura Albertson and her husband John Downs. She leaves grandchildren: Nels Foslien (wife Reina Nelson), Kieran Downs, Ingrid Foslien, and Alydia Downs (husband Abe Packard). She also is survived by her many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Howard Albertson, brother John Midthun, and sisters Mary Schifferdecker and Ruth Anderson.

The family wants to thank Pastor Hannah Bartos, Pastor Joel Martin, the hospice team at M Health Fairview, and nurse Kim Machabe for shepherding their beloved mother and grandmother through her final days in this world.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 13 at 10 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Marine on St. Croix. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. 

Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church in Marine, Valley Outreach, or the donor’s choice.