Ellen McKinnon

Ellen McKinnon, 98, Grand Forks, died peacefully Tuesday, May 20, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family. Ellen Roberta Bell was born to William G. Bell and Verna (Laing) Bell on September 25, 1915 at Milton, North Dakota. As a young child Ellen and her family moved to Grand Forks where she was raised and educated graduating from Central High School in 1933. She also attended the University of North Dakota. She married the love of her life George McKinnon on January 4, 1937, in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota. Thus began a lifetime of love, family, and success. Together they started the McKinnon Company which is celebrating 75 years of business this year. Ellen's true passion was seen in her painting and interior decorating where she expressed her taste, elegance and flair. She loved the University of North Dakota, contributing and supporting to many programs and events. Ellen was an enthusiastic supporter of UND Athletics. UND Hockey was her favorite and she was named Honorary Captain at a home game. Together Ellen and George were privileged to serve as respected Chairs of the Homecoming Planning Committee, working diligently to resurrect the UND Homecoming Dance for UND and the community. Ellen and George were honored to receive the highest recognition at UND, both named recipients of the Sioux Award. Ellen touched many lives through her memberships in the Grand Forks Republican Womens Club, Thursday Music Club, Antique Club, Grand Forks Country Club, and as a longtime member and benefactor of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Her love of art was well known as she served on the Board of Trustees of the North Dakota Museum of Art. Ellen's service to the community continued in her support of the Northlands Rescue Mission, Community Violence Intervention Center, and the YMCA. Ellen's greatest love was her family and friends. She was thrilled whenever they visited at her home or at Lake Bemidji. She is survived by her loving daughter and sons; Brenda Bell McKinnon Sondreal (Jim), Grand Forks. George "Judd" McKinnon (Carol), Grand Forks, and Dr. Willliam McKinnon (Judith) , Grand Forks; grandchildren, Michael George. McKinnon (Eric Bettelheim), Laura McKinnon Knox, Suzanne McKinnon Netzer (Alan), Ellen Sondreal Dingle (Chris), Matthew McKinnon, Marc McKinnon, Michael B. McKinnon; great-grandchildren, Christian James Knox, Eden Suzanne Volk, Grace Catherine Netzer, Christopher James Dingle, Conner Dawson Dingle, Casey McKinnon Dingle, Brittany Sondreal Ring (Phil), Annaka Bell Sondreal, Paige Melin, Peyton Melin; great-great grandchildren, Isabelle Ring and Judd Ring; a niece, Barbara Bell Tatum, Ridgeway, VA.; Lisa Sondreal, wife of the late Judd Sondreal. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; grandson, Judd Sondreal; and a brother, Donald Bell. Mass of Christian Burial: will be 12:00 noon on Thursday, May 29, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 216 Belmont Rd., Grand Forks. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service Wednesday, May 28, 2014 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks and one hour prior to the mass in church. Memorials are preferred to St. Mary's Catholic Church, Altru Cancer Center, or to the charity of the donor's choice. Interment will be in Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks.