Ella Margaret Bjugan Aadahl was born October 20, 1915, on the family farm in Roscoe Township, Goodhue County, Minnesota, to Louie and Jertine (Trelstad) Bjugan. She was baptized at home and confirmed at Stordahl Lutheran Church near Zumbrota. She attended District #50 county school and graduated from Wanamingo High School in 1933. After her education she worked for various families in the area as a housekeeper. On June 26, 1940, she was united in marriage to Bennie Aadahl at Stordahl Lutheran. After marriage they farmed Bennie's home farm and later rented a farm at the top of Sogn hill. In 1948, they family moved to Northfield. In 1955, Ella started working at St. Olaf College in the coffee shop called "The Den" which later became "The Cage." She retired in 1985. Bennie passed away February 25, 1999.

Ella was a active longtime member of St. John's Lutheran Church and a former member of Sons of Norway and County Extension Club. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, quilting, and fishing with Bennie. Traveling was important to them and along with many trips throughout the United States, they were able to take three trips to Norway where they met first cousins and other family. Ella was kind, optimistic, content with her life, and a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother.

Survivors include her children: Joanne Sommers of Northfield, Lee Aadahl and fiancee Barbara Duda of Minneapolis, Betty and husband Jay Mousa of N. Bethesda, Maryland; 6 grandchildren: Erick Sommers of West St. Paul, Anthony (Andrea) Sommers of Dundas, Melissa Kramer of South Orange, New Jersey, Lee Aadahl of Boston, Angela Aadahl of Boerne, Texas, Kriss Hauch of Oakdale; 6 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband and three brothers Herman, Robert and Raymond Bjugan.

Ella passed away with her daughter by her side on Sunday evening, January 15, 2012, at the Northfield Retirement Community, at the age of 96.

Funeral services will be 11AM Friday, January 20, 2012, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Northfield with Rev. John E. Quam officiating. Music will be provided by Ruth Legvold and Daniel Fenn. Interment will be in United Lutheran Cemetery at Zumbrota. Casket bearers will be Erick Sommers, Anthony Sommers, Melissa Kramer, Lee Aadahl, Angela Aadahl and Kriss Hauch. Visitation will be 8:30 - 9:30AM Friday, January 20, 2012, at the Chapel of the Northfield Retirement Community. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday beginning at 10AM.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.

Obituary and photo from Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.