Eleanore Lykken Littlejohn Schnell entered her eternal rest on Monday, January 6, 2025 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND surrounded by her family. Eleanore (Ellie) was born on June 6, 1929, in Grafton, ND to her parents, Oscar and Mabel Lykken of rural Grafton.
Ellie’s educational journey began in a one room schoolhouse where she discovered her passion for learning. She graduated at the top of her class as valedictorian from Grafton Central High School in 1947, and went on to attend Mayville State Teachers’ College in Mayville, ND, where she earned a certificate in Education. With her newfound knowledge, she inspired young minds as a teacher in Nash, ND.
On November 16, 1949 she was united in marriage to Harvey Littlejohn of St. Thomas, ND, where they resided. She left teaching to raise their family of five daughters. After her husband passed away, she moved to Grand Forks, in 1977. Ellie’s passions included reading, drawing, painting, golf, bowling, playing Scrabble, watching sports, especially UND hockey and NFL teams and traveling, all a reflection of her zest for life! She was active in her local church by teaching Sunday School, hosting meetings for the Ladies Aid, attending Bible Studies and was a member of Faith Evangelical Free Church, Grand Forks. She enjoyed baking and among her specialties were: caramel and cinnamon rolls. She loved collecting teacups and out they would come when the church ladies arrived at her door! She was a correspondent for the Walsh County Record and the Cavalier Chronicle for many years, where she reported on the happenings in and around the St. Thomas area and wrote feature stories. Later, Ellie worked at Altru Hospital as a volunteer and part-time. In February of 1991, Ellie married Robert (Bob) Schnell. They enjoyed 24 years of marriage until Bob passed away in 2015.
Ellie was preceded in death by her late husbands, her daughter, Stacey Rygh, her sons-in-law, Roger Krsnak and Tim Rygh, her parents, her brother Vernon Lykken and two sisters, Dorothy Lowe and Millicent LaBerge.
Ellie is survived by her loving family: daughters-Sharyn Krsnak of Rochester, MN; Susan (Chuck) Ault of Minnetonka, MN; Wanda (John) Schmisek of Rosemount, MN; and Lisa (Mark) Allen of Cary, NC; grandchildren Josh Krsnak, Ben Krsnak, Tim Krsnak, Jeff Ault, Scott Ault, Angela McClintick, Ryan Schmisek, Tara Helfritz, Garrett Allen, Nick Allen, Katie Arney, Brayden Rygh, Sophie Rygh and Sadie Rygh. She also has 21 great grandchildren, brothers Lowell (Bev) Lykken, Glenn (Dawn) Lykken and sister Lorraine Miller, brother-in-law, Thomas LaBerge and sister-in-law, Carol Littlejohn.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Grand Forks. Visitation begins at 1:00 p.m. and the service at 2:00 p.m. with a reception immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Ellie’s name to the Riverside Christian School, East Grand Forks; The Gideons International or a charity of your choosing. Amundson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.