Ellen McFarlane

Ellen Viola was born on December 19, 1926, in Oxdrift, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Robert and Tilda (Torgerson) Asplund. The family moved to Minnesota in 1932. Ellen was a graduate of Edison High School in Minneapolis. Ellen was united in marriage to John McFarlane on September 9, 1950 in Minneapolis. The McFarlanes lived in the Twin Cities until 1956 when they moved to Alexandria. To this union two children were born: David and Paty. In 1965, Ellen became a citizen of the United States. While living in Alexandria Ellen worked for School District 206 in Central Processing and later was employed at Alexandria Extrusion. She was a volunteer with the American Red Cross and very involved in her community. She was a member of the Eastern Star, First Congregational UCC in Alexandria, and United Church of Christ in New Brighton. Ellen enjoyed sewing, reading, and family gatherings. Ellen died Thursday, July 7, 2011 at the North Ridge Care Center in New Hope with her family by her side. She is survived by her son, Dave & wife, LuAnn McFarlane of Alexandria; daughter, Paty McFarlane & Gene Szondy of St. Paul; three grandchildren: Nicholas & wife, Andrea McFarlane of Evansville, Jillian & husband, J.D. Ellingson of Alexandria, Ashley & husband, Jon Heinecke of Appleton; and six great grandchildren: Kya, Sam, Titus, Kason, Harper, Kolden; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; infant granddaughter McFarlane, seven brothers and sisters: George, Wallace, Clarence, Elsie Olson, Marion Miller, Mildred Deschaine, Margaret Nelson. Memorial services were held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, 5:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. Memorials are preferred to the Rose Wall at the Masonic Home in Bloomington. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net