Ellen Thoma, age 80 of Walnut Grove, passed away peacefully Monday, April 6, 2026 at Sunset Cottage in Worthington, surrounded by family. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Walnut Grove United Methodist Church. Visitation will take place 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday at Walnut Grove Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour before the services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be at a later date in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. A recording of the service will be available later on the church Facebook page. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ellen Pearl (Nordsiden) Thoma was born May 18, 1945 in Tracy, MN to Winfred and Ethel (Johnson) Nordsiden. She was baptized at St. Olaf Lutheran Church and was confirmed at English Lutheran Church. Ellen graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1963 and went on to Cosmetology School in Mankato. On May 6, 1967, Ellen married Bruce Thoma at English Lutheran Church. Together the couple made their home in Walnut Grove. Ellen devoted much of her life to her work, beginning as a talented beautician in Marshall before moving on to Walt’s Barbershop. She eventually launched her own business, which she operated for many years. Ellen’s career was diverse – she contributed her skills at Control Data, supported customers at Schwan’s Call Center, and cared for patients at Tracy Municipal Hospital, working first in the dietary department and later in housekeeping. It was at Walnut Grove School as a cook that she developed a connection with many kids over the years until her retirement. Ellen was active in the Westbrook VFW Post #5098 Auxiliary and United Methodist Church Circle. At home, she enjoyed cooking, baking – especially homemade donuts and cookies, gardening and canning. Ellen made a good and varied use of the apples that grew on her trees. She had a knack for holiday decorating, which fit in well with her joy of hosting and entertaining friends and family. It was an annual tradition for Ellen to teach lefse making in the area communities around the holidays.
Ellen is survived by Bruce, her beloved husband for 59 years; children: Kelly Thoma of Plymouth & Kim (Lisa) Thoma of Worthington; grandchildren: Jen Hurd, Chris (Jessica) Mejia, Amanda (Ramon) Barraza & Alicia (Mike Shei) Mejia; great-grandchildren: Devante, Damian, Mya, Myles, Sofia, Aubrey & Noa; siblings: Sondra Coulter of Luverne, Dannie (Renee) Nordsiden of Vancouver, WA; Goddaughter Debora Vickerman of Lafayette, IN; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Delores (Roy) Syverson.
