Ellen Jane Ruth (Semmen) Lawstuen

   Ellen Lawstuen 91, passed away Sunday evening January 3rd, 2021 at the Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville. Ellen Jane Ruth Semmen was born December 4, 1929 near Highland in rural Lanesboro to Clarence and Ruth (Jensson) Semmen. Ellen was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church of Highland, attended country school and graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1947. Ellen earned a degree in Parish Education from Waldorf College in Forest City, IA and then worked for Augsburg Publishing in Minneapolis. 

   Ellen was united in marriage with Robert Lawstuen on March 7th, 1953 at the Highland Church and they were married for 65 years. Ellen and Robert lived on the family dairy farm in Lanesboro for forty years raising seven children, before moving to Eagan in 1993. 

Ellen worked in the healthcare industry for 32 years as a certified nursing assistant and medications administrator. First at the Good Samaritan Home in Preston, then the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield and finally at the Augustana Care Center in Apple Valley.  Before retiring Ellen worked five years as a greeter at Walmart in Eagan. 

   Ellen is survived by her seven children, Carl of Elko, Mike (Kelly) of Lanesboro, Dick of Eagan, Mary of Lakeville, Barb (Jim) Onomiya of St. Paul, Dave (Deb) of Lanesboro and Rebecca (Jeff)  Merwin of Prior Lake. Seven grandchildren Casey Pestle of Dansville, NY, Matt (Amy) Lawstuen of Lanesboro, Michelle (Craig) Kapfhamer of Prairie du Chien, WI, Mark Lawstuen of Lanesboro, Kirstin Lawstuen of Rochester, Kyle Lawstuen of Rochester, and Nick Onomiya of St Paul. Additionally, great-grandchildren, Hayden and Ben Lawstuen, Ava and Jack Kapfhamer. Ellen is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and sister-in-law Loretta Semmen.

   Ellen was preceded in death by Robert, her husband of 65 years, brothers Bobby and Jacob, and her parents Ruth and Clarence.

   Funeral service will be a private ceremony at Elstad Lutheran Church, Saturday, January 9, 2021, at 1 p.m. with Pastor Luther Mathsen officiating.  

    Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com

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