Ellen Ann Holtman

Ellen Ann Holtman, 85, of Crookston, MN, passed away late Saturday evening, June 1, 2024, in RiverView Health, Crookston, with loving family at her side.  

Ellen was born in Ada, MN on January 23, 1939, the 6^th of 7 children of the union of William and Eleanor (Zenner) Lundon. While growing up in Ada, Ellen was baptized and confirmed in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, educated in Ada schools and graduated from Ada High with the Class of 1957. On June 1, 1961 Ellen married the love of her life, Ronald Holtman, in a ceremony held at St. Joseph’s.

The couple made their first home in Ada and over the next few years welcomed 3 sons: Bob, Jim, and Doug. In 1966 the family moved to Crookston, and a year later to Red Lake Falls, where daughter, Lori, was born. While in Red Lake Falls Ellen was employed at the Co-op Store and then with the grocery store in Peppermint Square. In 1979 Ellen, Ron, and the kids returned to Crookston, where until her retirement in 2001, Ellen was employed by Tri-Valley as a receptionist while also providing administrative support. She was always grateful for the many Tri-Valley friendships formed during those years. Sadly, their son, Jim, passed away on October 31, 1996.

Ellen was devoted to her beloved husband, Ron, and together they were very proud of their 4 children and their many accomplishments.  Her love for family and God was unwavering. She was fiercely protective of her kids and no matter how old they were she always said they were never too old to stop worrying about, often calling to be sure they got home ok. It wasn’t your birthday until she called to sing “Happy Birthday to You”, always changing the last line to “May Jesus bless you!”  Ellen was a very good cook, spending many Saturday mornings in the kitchen.  Some of the family favorites being her homemade caramel rolls, chocolate chip cookies and Christmas dinner meatballs. She was a great wife and the best Mom ever. 

Ellen loved doing crafts and crocheting afghans, doilies and washcloths.  She made each grandchild a special afghan for their confirmation. She also taught herself to paint and developed many techniques that made her finished works a treasure to hang on anybody’s wall.  She had a passion for reading and enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, often adding her own commentary.   She thoroughly enjoyed Sunday afternoons spent visiting and laughing while playing 10,000, Turkey Foot or the card game Golf with Ron, Mark and Joan.

 Ellen will be deeply missed but we will carry her in our hearts forever.   Now instead of worrying about her family, and calling to check on them, she will be guiding us all along our way.

Ellen leaves to mourn her passing, Ron, with whom she shared exactly 63 years of marriage since her death took place on their anniversary. She also said goodbye to their 3 children: Bob and Tina Holtman of Fertile, MN, and Doug and Dianne Holtman and Lori and Dan Nystad, all of Crookston; 6 grandchildren: Brad (Ashley) Holtman of Ada, MN, and Brooke (Kolton) Walker, Kate (Ryan) Overgaard, Cody (Melissa) Holtman, Sarah (Derek) Ringdahl, and Jessica Nystad, all of Crookston; and 14 great-grandchildren. She also leaves siblings: Phyllis Drake of Fargo, ND, Joan (Mark) Chisholm of Gary, MN, sister-in-law Betty Lundon of Dilworth, MN and from Ron’s family, Cheryl Lampton of Twin Valley, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

In addition to her son, Jim, Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Eleanor Lundon; siblings and siblings-in-law: Richard Lundon, Norinne and Richard Rockstad, Clayton Drake, William and Geri Lundon, and Dorothy and Henry Aaby; and from Ron’s family, parents-in-law, Max and Goldie Holtman; and brother-in-law, Wayne Holtman.

Blessed be the memory of Ellen Ann (Lundon) Holtman.  

Ellen’s life will be celebrated with a Memorial Service at 11:00 A.M., Friday, June 7, 2024, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Crookston, with The Rev. Greg Isaacson, officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service and burial will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the Oakdale Cemetery. Both services will be livestreamed by going to Ellen’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence to the family may be offered on the website as well.