Erdahl, Ellen Marie (Syrdal) age 88, died peacefully on June 6, 2023, surrounded by faith, family, music, and love in her final days. Born in China to missionary parents, faith and service remained passions throughout her life. At St. Olaf College ('57), she majored in music and sang in the St. Olaf Choir. Ellen taught in Blue Earth, MN, where she met and married Arlen Erdahl and they started their family, farming near Frost, MN. Raising 6 children throughout many moves, Ellen directed church choirs, led hymn sings, and composed an arrangement of "The Morning Star." A gifted singer and talented pianist, she taught piano and voice lessons from home, but mostly, she played piano for sheer enjoyment. Ellen kept close connections with her large extended family of Roes, Syrdals and Erdahls, both across the U.S. and Norway. Ellen put her heart and soul into everything she did for her family, community or complete strangers. Service was her way of life; driving elderly to appointments, teaching citizenship classes, helping refugees, and giving her time and talent to her Lutheran Church. An excellent writer and editor, Ellen prepared campaign materials during Arlen's years in politics, from positions in the Minnesota state legislature to the U.S. Congress. Preceded in death by parents Borghild "Bokka" (Roe) and Rev. Rolf Syrdal. Survived by husband of nearly 65 years, Arlen Erdahl; children Rolf (Carrie Vecchione), Eric, John, Lars (Molly), Laura (Scott) Weinberg, Kari (Eric) Hagen; grandchildren Ada, Ella, Inga, Anders, Haakon, Tor, Bonnie (Jake), Solveig, Gemma, Jack, David, Elin, Leif and Annika; brother Fred (Jan) Syrdal; sister-in-law Carol Erdahl; nieces and nephews; and countless treasured relatives and friends. Ellen often ended conversations with "God bless and guide." Among her last words were "God is good" and "Love the Lord." Funeral service will be Fri, June 16th at 1 PM ~ Bethlehem Lutheran Church 4100 Lyndale Ave So. Interment ~ Oaklawn Cemetery, Northfield, MN. Visitation Thurs, 5-8 PM with hymn sing 7-7:30 PM at Gill Brothers Minneapolis Chapel, 5801 Lyndale Ave So and also one hour prior to service at church. Memorials encouraged to Luther Seminary, Lutheran World Relief or a charity of choice to serve others. Gill Brothers 612-961-6088 gillbrothers.com