Ella Gronbeck

Ella M. Gronbeck, 79, formerly of rural Leonard, ND, died Friday, October 23, 2009 at Elim Nursing Home, Fargo, ND. Ella Marie Fjelstad Gronbeck was born July 4, 1930 in Kindred, North Dakota to Oscar and Mabel (Walberg) Fjelstad. She attended school in rural Kindred. She married Ernest Gronbeck on December 18,1949 at West Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Kindred. The couple farmed in the Leonard area. Ella loved her children and her grandchildren “her girls” and her great grandchildren where her pride and joy. She loved baking and cooking and sharing her love cooking with her grandchildren. She was active member in the Helendale Lutheran Church. She was always her children and grandchildren’s most vocal supporter, spending countless weekends at horseshows and their activities. Ella was known as Grandma to all the kinds at the shows. Once you met Ella you never forgot her and she never forgot you. Ella was a devoted wife, a loving mother, sister and caring grandma. She loved her daughters their spouse’s. She encouraged her granddaughters in every activity they did, even taught them all how to cook. Her grandchildren were the spark that kept her spirit strong. She is survived by her husband Ernie, children Cathryn Jostad (Robert), Kindred, Sheila Goughnour (Larry), Fargo, her siblings Olive Andvik, Moorhead, MN, Alletta Smeby (Harlan) Kindred, Carl Fjelstad (Zita) Mesa, AZ and Wallace Fjelstad (Eileen), Mesa, AZ, in-laws Arnold Gronbeck (Darlene) Moorhead, MN, Arnfred Gronbeck (Doris) West Fargo, ND and Gladys Walaker, Fargo, ND and 5 grandchildren, Lisa Jostad, Laura Schwab (Larry), Shari Zimbelman (Lee), Jacki Milbrath (Darin), Sally Hildebrand (Marlin), and 3 great grandchildren, Garrett Hildebrand, G. Zachary Schwab and Brooke Schwab. Ella is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Judith Lynnes, Clayton Fjelstad, Oscar Fjelstad and Amy Lechner. The Funeral Service for Ella will be Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 2:00pm at Helendale Lutheran Church, rural Leonard. Burial will follow at Helendale Cemetery. A Prayer Service will be Tuesday, October 27th at 7:00pm at Fredrikson Funeral Chapel, Kindred, ND with visitation from 5:00-7:00pm at Fredrikson Funeral Chapel. Arrangements entrusted to Fredrikson Funeral Chapel, Kindred