Mae Jordis Carolyn Haugen Ellestad

Mae Jordis Carolyn Haugen Ellestad, age 94 of Hastings, formerly of Blue Earth, died April 5, 2018 at Regina Assisted Living in Hastings. Mae was born February 9, 1924, in Spring Grove MN to Josie and Carl Haugen. After graduating from Spring Grove High School, she attended Fairview Nursing School in Minneapolis, MN. Mae was joined in marriage to Gordon Ellestad September 4, 1944. They made their home in Blue Earth, MN shortly after marriage. Mae worked as a nurse at the Blue Earth Hospital and later worked at Telex. After retirement she was on the board of St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center in Blue Earth. Mae was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Blue Earth; and participated in Ladies Aide and in the Church quilting group. She enjoyed sharing her Norwegian heritage with the community through lefse making and Syttende Mai celebrations. She and Gordy traveled to Norway to connect with relatives there. She shared her love of sewing with her daughters and others in the community. Even when her need was greater she never lost her desire to care for others. She was preceded in death by her husband Gordy, parents, brothers, Omar and Dale and granddaughter Sarah Schmidt. She is survived by her children, Eric (Barb) of River Falls, WI; Craig (Marion) of Seattle, WA; Kristin of Hastings, MN, Becky Maiers of St. Cloud, MN and Mary Ann Schmidt (Danford) of Carthage, IL; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held in Spring Grove Minnesota at a future date. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.