Ellen Nottestad

Ellen Nottestad of Grand Forks, ND, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Altru Hospital of Grand Forks. She was 87.

Ellen Odegaard was born November 7, 1938, to George and Ethel (Jenson) Odegaard. She attended grade school in Clifford, ND, and graduated from Mayville High School. She graduated from Mayville State University in 1962. She later received an Elementary/Secondary Reading Specialist Degree through Concordia/NDSU.

Ellen was married June 6, 1957, to Darrell Nottestad at Norman Lutheran Church in Clifford. They lived in Chicago for two years while he finished his stint with the U.S. Army. Ellen worked in the Loop at the Chicago Motor Club, a branch of the AAA.

Ellen taught in Bucyrus, ND, and later elementary classes at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. She spent eight years as a home and hospital teacher and then taught English and Reading at South Junior High School/Middle School.

Ellen enjoyed so many things: her great love for her family, traveling, reading and writing, the seasons of the year, baking, and music to name a few.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Darrell; daughters, Michelle (Richard) Ferguson, Gallup, NM, and Julie (Jeremy) Iverson of Solon, IA: they have five grandchildren, Katelyn (Todd) McBroom, Jackson (Shannon) Ferguson, Annalisa Ferguson, Jameson Ferguson and Elizabeth “Ellie” Iverson; great granddaughter, Madison; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Erickson; niece, Terri Machart; and nephew, David Erickson.

Ellen is preceded in death by her parents; all grandparents, aunts and uncles; and a brother-in-law, Arthur Erickson, Jr.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, November 21, 2025, at United Lutheran Church, 324 Chestnut St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in St. Peter Cemetery, rural Adams, ND at approximately 3:00 PM.

Memorials are requested to be directed to the St. Peter Cemetery Association, United Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.