Ellen Germann, 85, of Bowman, N.D. passed away on September 20, 2011 at the Southwest Healthcare Hospital in Bowman. Funeral Services for Ellen will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the Bowman Lutheran Church. Pastor Charles Swanson and Pastor Galen Strand will officiate with burial to follow in the Bowman Cemetery. There will be a Family and Friends Service on Saturday, September 24, 2011 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home Chapel.

Ellen Marie born June 16 1926 at home to Pete and Enga (Ness) Erickson. She grew up on the Bill Smith place North West of Ludlow. Her 1st home was a grainary. Mom attended school at the Lone Tree School House all 8 years. Was baptized at the Nathaniel Church, Ray and Ellen were confirmed on December 9, 1951 at the Grand River Lutheran Church.
At a young age a fellow was trailing sheep in the Fall and passed through their place. Some of the sheep were pretty weak from the long travels. He gave the weak sheep to Ellen and from then on she had a love for sheep.In her teen years she baby sat for August and Freida (Werre) Nelson. With the money earned she bought herself a piano. A gift Mom had was playing the piano by ear.
Ellen met the love of her life Ray Germann son of Robert and Barbara ( Schnieder) Germann at a dance. September 22,1945 they were married at Baker, Mt.. To this union three children were born Larry, Linda and Joyce. They made their first home 11/2 miles West of Bowman on the Robert and Barbara Germann place. In 1948 they moved to Ellen's grandparents place, The Martin and Hannah Ness farm South of Bowman. This is where they raised their family. One day a sheep wondered on the place and Ellen talked Ray into going in to sheep. Dad went out and bought some terrible looking ewes, this upset Mom. It was a lesson learned. Later on they added a cattle operation. Milking cows put food on the table for the family. Mom raised chickens, dressing them out to sell along with eggs for additional income. Later years farming and the sheep became their main source of income. It seemed their place was always in the line of a hail storm. One year Ray and Ellen along with their family did quit a bit of shingling in the Bowman area. They dug graves for Durwood Ohm's, mowed the Bowman and Grand River Cemetery's. During haying season you could find Mom and the white pickup in the hay field loading bails.
Mom organized her own band called the River Ramblers. She played a stand up accordian and daughter Joyce played the drums. They played for many dances.She was treasurer for the Grand River Township, a 4-H leader, taught Bible and Sunday school,belonged to the Grand River Lutheran Ladies Circle, was a waitress at the Home Base Auction Market and the Bowman Sales Barn,and for 20 years she volunteered at the Cedar Chest. She enjoyed bowling on a bowling league. She continued to baby sit till 2009. A high light with family gatherings was a good card game called Dirty Your Neighbor. Mom always had her special homemade banana bread on hand, which was a hit with everyone.
In 1993 Ray and Ellen sold their farm and moved to Bowman, where they resided until their death. After
two year with a lonely heart Mom, is back in Dad's arms. A celebration they are having 66 years of marriage September 22. Mom you had a plan.
Ellen is survived by son Larry (Claudia) Germann, St Cloud, Minn., Linda (Jerry) Stenerson, Buffalo, S.D., and Joyce (Gary) Hestekin. Bowman, N.D. Grand children Shane (Tricia) Germann, Valley City, N.D. Tesha (Todd) Snyder, Porter, Mn., Tiffany Germann,Los Angeles, Ca. Jeremy Stenerson, Flasher, N.D. Jason (Autumn) Stenerson, Buffalo S.D., Nicole (John) Rasmussen, Bowman, N.D. Amber (Jeremy) Gustin, Murray, Ky., Great grand children Melissa Snyder, Talia and Corbin Germann, Trae and Jae Tyler Stenerson, and Brendon and Hunter Rasmussen.
Preceding Ellen in death are her husband Ray, Parents Pete and Enga Erickson, Brother Melvin Erickson and his wife Audrey, Nephew Roger Erickson, and Great grand child Jae Luis Stenerson.


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