Ellen J. Boe passed away May 8, 2021 at Engel Haus Nursing Home in Albertville, MN.
Preceded in death by husband Robert (d. 11/6/2014); parents, Elvin and Alpha (Thompson) Vaala; brother, Howard Vaala; sister, Mary Vaala; step-father, Ken Lovander; and step-son, Brian Boe.
Survived by children, Eric (Elizabeth) Teegarden, Richard (Heidi) Teegarden, and Maren (Tim) Cruickshank; step-children, Erick, Scott and Tammy Boe; many grandchildren whom she loved and adored; brother, Les (Karran) Vaala; sister-in-law, Fransceca Vaala; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Ellen was born in 1944 in Dawson, MN and grew up in Granite Falls. Ellen married Bill Teegarden in 1966, and they raised 3 children in Winona, Glencoe, Lubbock (TX), and LeSueur, MN.
Ellen married Robert Boe in 1990 and they enjoyed much travel, along with spending time with children and grandchildren at their home in Chanhassen, MN.
Ellen’s love of music and art was shared and enjoyed by her entire family. Ellen had a passion for reading, and often carried 2-3 books with her wherever she went. Ellen participated in book-clubs, reading-groups, and at one point even worked at a book store. Ellen enjoyed puzzles and games especially if it involved her grandchildren, whom she adored and loved to be around. If a grandchild had an activity taking place, a sporting event, or a celebration of some sort – Ellen was sure to be there!
Ellen was deeply loved by all and will be missed dearly.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 21, 2021 at 1:00 PM with a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM at The Peterson Chapel in St. Michael.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of St. Michael-Albertville. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com
Loved my Auntie Ellen. So many found memories of family gatherings she hosted.
I worked with Ellen at the bookstore in Wayzata. She was a kind and gentle friend with a great sense of humor. She loved talking about her kids.
I proud to say I was a classmate of Ellen’s, class of 1962, Granite Falls, MN. Our high school Annual said of Ellen, “She has a contagious laugh that peals forth at the most inconvenient times.” That was Ellen for sure. She always had a smile on her face and made us laugh many times. God Bless her and her family. RIP dear classmate.
Pecan pies, my first permanent wave, endless hugs at her house.
Ellen was my friend and classmate at Granite Falls H.S. I remember her fondly. One warm, spring day when the windows were open on our 2nd floor classroom and our teacher had stepped out of the room, the office staff placed 25 notices on the teacher’s desk that were supposed to be taken home to our parents. Ellen, in an impish voice said, “We don’t need these!” She then proceeded to throw them out the window. She may have gotten by with this, except that the half-sheets of paper floated down to the ground past a first-floor classroom. Soon the teacher from first floor appeared at our door demanding to know who was responsible for this action. Upon the second and more forceful voice of “Who did this?!” Ellen quietly said, “I did.” Of course, there were plenty of muffled snickers over Ellen’s unexpected behavior.
I graduated from Granite Falls High School with Ellen. She was so smart, and with a light hearted giggle that was contagious. Yes, she loved reading, to the extent that she finished her homework ASAP in order to have time to return to her relaxing reading. Let’s imagine a maroon and gold ribbon, stitched with “GFHS,’62” tucked in Ellen’s pocket as she carries fond memories with her always.
I am thinking of Ellen so much today. Ellen was my classmate and friend at Granite Falls, and she remained my friend in the years to follow. I enjoyed and appreciated her so much. We had a wonderful visit into the wee hours after our 50th class reunion, so I treasure that. We also kept in touch while she and Bob lived in Chanhassen and did get to see each other now and then. She was a very special person, and I extend my condolences to her family. God bless her memory.