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Ellen Marie Erdahl, 88

Jun 9, 2023

(Formerly of Blue Earth) – Ellen Marie (Syrdal) Erdahl, age 88, died peacefully on June 6, 2023. Born in China to missionary parents, she had a life-long love for the people of that country even though her own family returned to the United States when she was just a year old. Sharing her faith remained a driving passion throughout her life.

She met her husband Arlen Erdahl while she was working as a music and science teacher in Blue Earth and he was farming near Frost. Ellen and Arlen moved many places in their lives. She went on to direct church choirs in Minnesota, Virginia, and Jamaica where a career highlight was the premiere of her arrangement of “Bright Morning Star.” Music was a life-long passion. She was a member of the St. Olaf Choir and after graduation taught music in the public schools in Blue Earth and Frost. Wherever she lived, she taught piano and voice lessons from home. Mostly, she played piano for sheer enjoyment.

Ellen put her heart into everything she did whether it was helping her family, or complete strangers who became life-long friends. Volunteerism was a way of life for Ellen: visiting babies at the orphanage, driving the elderly to medical appointments, teaching citizenship classes, helping new refugees, and giving of her time and talent to numerous activities at her local Lutheran Church.

An excellent writer and editor, Ellen prepared many of Arlen’s campaign materials during his years in elected office, from local positions in Faribault County to the U.S. Congress. Most recently, she completed a manuscript of spiritual inspirations entitled, “Letters to Sherm.”

Ellen is predeceased by parents, Borghild (Roe) and Rev. Rolf Syrdal. Immediate family survivors are her husband of nearly 65 years, Arlen Erdahl; six children and their spouses: Rolf (Carrie Vecchione), Eric, John, Lars (Molly Fayfield), Laura (Scott Weinberg), Kari (Eric Hagen); 14 beloved grandchildren plus one grand in-law; brother, Fred Syrdal and his wife Jan; sister-in-law, Carol Erdahl; five nephews and nieces; and countless treasured relatives and friends.

Among her last words were “God is good” and “Love the Lord.”

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, June 15 at Gill Brothers Funeral Home, 5801 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis. The Funeral takes place Friday, June 16 at 1 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis. Interment follows at 4:30 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield. Arrangements will be handled by Gill Brothers Funeral Home. Memorials can be sent to Lutheran World Relief or the charity of choice.