Ellen Marie Tiedemann, 72, of Red Wing, died of natural causes, Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at her sister’s cabin in Balsam Lake, Wis. Ellie’s passing will leave a tremendous void in the many lives she touched.
She was born Nov. 19, 1951 in Plainview to Ralph and Dorene (Sell) Tiedemann. They lived in Kasson until 1960 when they moved to a farm outside of Plainview, Minn. She attended Plainview High School, graduating in 1969. She went on to Winona State University, eventually receiving her master’s in education from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. She taught elementary school in Dexter, Maine and later at St. Francis Catholic School in Ellsworth. Ellie loved being a teacher and continued to stay close with past students, attending graduations and weddings. Along with teaching she worked a variety of jobs. She owned Ellie’s Antiques in Bay City, Wis., making annual trips to the coast of Maine, picking up lobster traps and eastern specialties, only to come back and have the items fly out of her van with very willing buyers. She was a rep for Merrill Books, a car sales person, worked at the Red Wing Shoe Store, and drove for Hiawatha Transit.
Ellie was happiest outdoors. She loved camping with family and friends, spending time at the cabin on the lake, fishing, canoeing and hiking, and she knew how to build a bonfire better than anyone. She was particularly proud of hiking the Appalachian Trail. She also enjoyed her time as a camp counselor. Sometimes she got a little close to nature (or maybe nature got too close to her.) She found it particularly funny/terrifying when a squirrel jumped on her face when lifting her garage door.
Ellie knew how to have fun. She was the unofficial activities director for the family. She planned camping trips, road trips to Maine and Florida, family dinners and get-togethers, and monthly sister outings. What could have been unmitigated family chaos, she kept organized and in control. She loved to bake cookies - so many cookies! She had a cookie for every holiday and made decorating cookies into a group activity, often filling a kitchen table to the edge with them. Of course, that’s when she wasn’t making pies. Her cherry cream cheese and grasshopper pies are family favorites. And Ellie could cook, too. She made fabulous dinners and if you were lucky, you got to take home the leftovers.
She was hard working, loving and especially resilient. She put her life and her body back together after a terrible car accident and then she weathered breast cancer. She was a member of the Cancer Kickers team, raising thousands of dollars for the Mississippi Shuffle.
Her health troubles only strengthened her faith and she remained an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Her kindness, generosity, and adventurous approach to life will be her lasting legacy.
She will be missed by many, including her siblings, Thomas (Vicki) Tiedemann of Sioux Falls, SD, Susan (Wayne Eckstrom) Mahn of Red Wing, Paula (Rick) Mueske of Cottage Grove; sister-in-law Vicki Tiedemann; several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Dorene; brother, Larry and her beloved cats Hiya and Cookie.
“Remember what it was that you loved most about those you have lost and be that. Keep those memories alive.” Let’s remember what it was that we loved best about Ellie and remember to be that. She certainly gave us a lot to pick from.
Funeral service were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Red Wing with Pastor Amy Larson officiating. Visitation was 4-6 p.m. Monday, May 13, 2024 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and one hour prior to the service at church on Tuesday. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com
