Ellen M. Charlsen 91, died Sunday, February 25, 2018 at Newton Presbyterian Manor. She was born May 11, 1926 in Elyria, Kansas to John and Emilie (Flegel) Borth. On February 13, 1940 she married Jack W. Charlsen at the Christian Church in Newton and he preceded her in death on December 1, 2010.
Ellen was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Newton, Kansas where she served the church in many capacities over the years. She was a 1949 graduate of the former Axtell School of Nursing and worked at the former Axtell Hospital for many years prior to her retirement. One of the highlights of Ellen’s nursing career was working on the Apollo 11 Moon Landing Mission. Later in life she was an extra in the movie “Walking Tall” and helped set up the Emergency Room set for the movie. Tending her flower beds and caring for her yard were a time of relaxation and reflection for Ellen.
She was known for being a kind and gentle person who loved caring for others. She was adored by her family and they looked for to spending time with their beloved aunt and friend.
Ellen is survived by several nieces and nephews and she is also survived by a sister Virginia Kenney of Inman, KS.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband and 4 brothers and 4 sisters
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday February 28, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church in Newton with Pastor Aaron Filipek presiding. Visitation will be 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.at Petersen Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, KS.
Memorials are suggested to Caring Hands Humane Society, Zion Lutheran Church or Good Shepherd Hospice in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
My 2 dogs and I have visited the residents at the Manor for the last 5 years. Ellen always welcomed the dogs and invited the Beagle up on her bed. She would get down on the floor to love on the big dog. We were all amazed how agile she was when she would get back up without help. We loved visiting with her and will miss her!