Ethel Wellen

Ethel Wellen, age 100 loved by her family and friends, passed to her heavenly home on February 2, 2026.  At the time she was living at Karlstad Senior Living.
Ethel was born on December 23, 1925, in Ross, Minnesota, to Harold and Annie (Solem) Peterson. She grew up in the Ross and Badger area and graduated from Badger High School with the Class of 1944, believed to be the last surviving member of her graduating class.
On June 16, 1945, Ethel was united in marriage to George Wellen in Badger. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. George preceded her in death on March 21, 2008.
Ethel was known as a dedicated and hardworking woman throughout her life. She helped on the family farm raising cattle, sheep, chickens, and geese, and also worked as a waitress. Along the way she worked at and owned the Badger Cash Market, spent time working at Polaris, in the potato fields with the neighbor ladies, which was her vacation.  She later retired from Cenex after 28 years of service.
She was a longtime member of Badger Creek Lutheran Church, where she served in various roles and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  
Ethel had a deep love for her Norwegian heritage, Lutefisk and Rommegrot were the top of the list of her favorite foods.  Teaching her family to roll lefse, hardanger and flatbread was enjoyable, but also sometimes a challenge.  But the tradition will carry on.
She enjoyed having a nice yard with beautiful flowers.  The hummingbirds and orioles were just a few of the birds and animals she would watch through her window.  This gave her a lot of entertainment.  Her lawn was always groomed, and she loved to mow on John Deere riding mowers.  Her love of baking kept her awake into the wee hours.  She was known for buns and Aunt Sally cookies which we all will miss.  She enjoyed playing many games and was always willing to challenge the grandkids in a game of Farkle, Yahtzee, or any game.  She never forgot the grandkid’s birthdays, giving them a card and a $10 bill.
She is survived by her children Barbara (Don) Burkel of Greenbush, Kathy (Myles) Alberg of Thief River Falls, Earl Wellen of Troup, Texas, and Loren (Jeannie) Wellen of Badger; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-great-grandchildren. 
 She was preceded in death by her husband, George; her son, Jerry Wellen; her parents; and was the last surviving member of her siblings and of the ten Wellen in-laws.
Thanks to the Karlstad Senior Living Center caregivers, the care she received.  The many memories we have made with her will stay in our hearts forever.

A Funeral Service for Ethel Wellen of Badger, MN will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau, MN. Visitation will be held One hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home.

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